Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for a Diabetic Patient Presenting with Secondary Syphilis and Severe Odynophagia

Abstract

Syphilis, an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, represents a pervasive global epidemic. Secondary syphilis is typically marked by the emergence of highly contagious mucocutaneous manifestations, including non-pruritic rashes on the palms and soles of the feet, alopecia, mucous patches, and condyloma lata. Here, we report a rare case of a 30-year-old male with newly discovered type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with severe odynophagia due to secondary syphilis, confirmed by both nontreponemal VDRL/RPR and treponemal TPHA tests. Following the administration of a single-dose intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units, the symptoms gradually decreased, allowing the patient to regain his health.

Keywords

• <i>Treponema pallidum</i>
• syphilis
• odynophagia
• infectious disease
• diabetes mellitus
• sexually transmitted infection