title: Syphilis: an old enemy still lurks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the problem of increasing cases of syphilis as a communicable disease and to review different presentations of syphilis and to discuss treatment guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Extensive review of worldwide scientific literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Syphilis is an infectious sexually transmitted disease, which may have devastating consequences. Previously declining rates have led to complacency in prevention and diagnosis. Primary prevention includes education regarding safer sexual practices. Secondary prevention includes early identification via screening and treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Syphilis is a contagious disease that has devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated. Providers should keep ever vigilant in its identification. Specifically, it should be considered when evaluating all symptom-less dermatological lesions.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. lfergu@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Varnado
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology