Syphilis is contracted through contact, including
sexual contact, with an open sore (chancre) or skin rash caused by
syphilis. Sores are less common after the first year of infection.
Sex partners of a person who has syphilis in any stage should be
evaluated using tests for syphilis.1 Antibiotic
treatment is recommended for all exposed partners.
If a person was exposed (has had sexual contact with a person who has
syphilis) within the past 90 days, blood tests may come back negative even
though he or she may be infected. Treatment is usually recommended even if the
blood test is negative.
Long-term sex partners of persons with late syphilis should be tested
for syphilis and treated if blood tests are positive.
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006).
Syphilis section of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006.
MMWR, 55(No. RR-11): 22-30. Available online:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006).
Syphilis section of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2006.
MMWR, 55(No. RR-11): 22-30. Available online:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm.
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