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Neurosyphilis is the infection of the central nervous system by Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection syphilis. In the era of modern antibiotics , the majority of neurosyphilis cases have been reported in HIV-infected patients.
Meningeal syphilis (as known as syphilitic aseptic meningitis or meningeal neurosyphilis) is a chronic form of syphilis infection that affects the central nervous system. Treponema pallidum , a spirochate bacterium, is the main cause of syphilis, which spreads drastically throughout the body and can infect all its systems if not treated ...
Common symptoms that develop over the first couple of years of life include enlargement of the liver and spleen (70%), rash (70%), fever (40%), neurosyphilis (20%), and lung inflammation (20%). [7] If untreated, late congenital syphilis may occur in 40%, including saddle nose deformation, Higouménakis' sign , saber shin , or Clutton's joints ...
Pleocytosis, raised CSF protein level and positive CSF serology suggest neurosyphilis. [31] CSF VDRL is 50-90% specific for neurosyphilis. [18] 60% of newborns with congenital syphilis also have neurosyphilis. [18] Non-treponemal titers should be monitored in the newborns every 2-3 months to ensure an adequate response to treatment. [18]
General paresis, also known as general paralysis of the insane (GPI), paralytic dementia, or syphilitic paresis is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder, classified as an organic mental disorder, and is caused by late-stage syphilis and the chronic meningoencephalitis and cerebral atrophy that are associated with this late stage of the disease when left untreated.
Died by suicide on account of blindness caused by neurosyphilis. Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910), Russian writer Suspected to have had syphilis [9] Alphonse Daudet (1840–1897), French novelist Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), German philosopher Cause of death disputed, but syphilis or mercury poisoning from syphilis treatment are leading theories.
Rates of syphilis in 2000–2005 among low-risk groups such as women without children and unmarried people were about 0.3–0.6% while rates among high-risk groups such as drug users and MSM were about 7–15%. [11] Rates are greatest among men who have sex with men and sex workers. [10]
The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test is a diagnostic test for syphilis.Using antibodies specific for the Treponema pallidum species, such tests would be assumed to be more specific than non-treponemal testing such as VDRL but have been shown repeatedly to be sensitive but not specific for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).