– Bacterial infections caused by 3 types of treponema (different from Treponema pallidum) whose human transmission is direct or indirect.
– The 3 non-venereal treponematoses result in positive syphilis serology
(TPHA-VDRL), but this review is not required for diagnosis remains primarily clinical.
– For treatment of syphilis see Genital infections.
Clinical signs:
See table next page.
Treatment:
– For the 3 treponematoses benzathine benzylpenicillin IM
Children under 6 years: 600 000 IU single dose
Children over 6 years and adults: 1.2 MIU single dose
If allergic to penicillin: erythromycin PO
Children: 50 mg / kg / day divided into 2 or 3 doses for 14 days
Adult: 2-3 g / day divided into 2 or 3 doses for 14 days or doxycycline PO (except in pregnant or lactating women and children under 8 years)
Children over 8 years: 100 to 200 mg / day in one or two doses for 14 days
Adult: 200 mg / day in one or two doses for 14 days
Remarks:
• Antibiotics cure early stage cases and may relieve the pain of osteitis. It may be insufficient if late lesions.
• Syphilis serology will remain positive despite clinical cure.
– Prophylaxis of contacts:
Examine and treat subjects benzathine benzylpenicillin IM contacts in a single dose as above (also to be administered to subjects with latent positive serology in endemic areas).
