title: Syphilis associated with paretic neurosyphilis mimicking Reiter's syndrome in HIV-infected patients.
abstract: HIV/syphilis co-infection is common because both conditions affect similar risk groups. HIV interferes with the natural history of syphilis, which often has atypical clinical features and nervous system involvement in the early stage of disease. We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with secondary syphilis, scaling palmoplantar keratoderma, scrotal eczema, balanitis and urethritis mimicking Reiter's syndrome. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against Treponema pallidum revealed the presence of spirochetes, associated with the paretic form of parenchymal neurosyphilis. The patient was given crystalline penicillin, with complete resolution of dermatological and neurological symptoms, and no sequelae.
authors: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors: Thales Costa
authors: TC
authors: Bastos
authors: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, BR.
authors: Daniela Cristina Caetano
authors: DC
authors: Maia
authors: Brazil, BR.
authors: Nathália Matos
authors: NM
authors: Gomes
authors: Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, BR.
authors: Carla Kellen da Silva
authors: CK
authors: Menezes
authors: Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, BR.
authors: Valeska
authors: V
authors: Francesconi
authors: Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, BR.
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Francesconi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D060085:Coinfection / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007645:Keratoderma, Palmoplantar / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010400:Penicillin G