Malignant syphilis in an immunocompetent adult male

Abstract

The occurrence of malignant syphilis in an immunocompetent individual is rare. We present malignant syphilis in a 35-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with a 1-month history of noduloulcerative lesions on the torso. Examination revealed multiple pustules, nodules, and deep-seated ulcers distributed on the trunk, face, and upper and lower limbs. Characteristic morphology of lesions, positive serological tests for syphilis, characteristic histopathology, and resolution of lesions following institution of penicillin therapy confirmed the clinical diagnosis of malignant syphilis.

Keywords

• Endarteritis obliterans
• malignant syphilis
• nodules
• treponemal hemagglutination
• ulcers