What is the treatment for syphilis?

Prepare for the Healthy Populations Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Practice with detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions, receive insightful hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What is the treatment for syphilis?

Explanation:
Penicillin G is the treatment of choice for syphilis because it reliably eradicates Treponema pallidum and has the strongest evidence of effectiveness across all stages. For early syphilis, a single dose of benzathine penicillin G often cures the infection; for late latent or tertiary disease, a longer course with weekly doses is used; and for neurosyphilis, high‑dose intravenous penicillin G is required to achieve adequate central nervous system levels. While alternatives like doxycycline or amoxicillin can be considered in penicillin-allergic patients, they are not as reliably effective, and azithromycin resistance in Treponema pallidum limits its use.

Penicillin G is the treatment of choice for syphilis because it reliably eradicates Treponema pallidum and has the strongest evidence of effectiveness across all stages. For early syphilis, a single dose of benzathine penicillin G often cures the infection; for late latent or tertiary disease, a longer course with weekly doses is used; and for neurosyphilis, high‑dose intravenous penicillin G is required to achieve adequate central nervous system levels. While alternatives like doxycycline or amoxicillin can be considered in penicillin-allergic patients, they are not as reliably effective, and azithromycin resistance in Treponema pallidum limits its use.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy