Arthropod bite-like eruption as rare presentation of secondary syphilis in an HIV-infected patient

Secondary syphilis represents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical manifestations. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) adds to the diversity of the clinical presentation of syphilis. We herein report a case of secondary syphilis as an arthropod bite-like eruption in a p...

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Published inIndian journal of dermatology Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 307 - 309
Main Authors Chen, Chih-Yu, Lu, Yu-Hsuan, Lin, Yu-Chun, Hung, Chih-Tsung, Wang, Wei- Ming, Chiang, Chien-Ping
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Kolkata Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2020
Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd
Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
Subjects
Antibodies
arthropod bite
Arthropods
Biopsy
Case Report
Health aspects
HIV
HIV infections
HIV patients
Human immunodeficiency virus
Infection
Infections
Patients
Penicillin
Penicillin G
secondary syphilis
Syphilis
HIV
secondary syphilis
Arthropod bite
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Summary:Secondary syphilis represents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical manifestations. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) adds to the diversity of the clinical presentation of syphilis. We herein report a case of secondary syphilis as an arthropod bite-like eruption in a previously undiagnosed HIV-coinfected patient. A 24-year-old homosexual male presented with multiple corticosteroid-resistant insect bite-like nodules on his trunk and bilateral arms. Skin biopsy disclosed plasma cell infiltration and positive Treponema pallidum staining. His symptoms got dramatic remission after benzathine penicillin G therapy. The presented case extends the clinical spectrum of secondary syphilis in HIV patient.
ISSN:0019-5154
1998-3611
DOI:10.4103/ijd.IJD_522_18