Secondary Syphilis in a Patient with HIV

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infection share the same high-risk groups and transmission ways; therefore, coinfection is common. The natural history and clinical manifestations of syphilis can be modified by concomitant HIV infection, which can rapidly progress from primary to tertiary syphilis.

Objective: To describe the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and treatment of a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus and co-infected with secondary syphilis, being such a rare condition.

Clinical case: A 30-year-old patient attended consultation for presenting of syphilitic alopecia of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as hypochromia in the scrotal and perineal area; syphilis is considered as "the great simulator", which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. The diagnosis of secondary syphilis is confirmed.

Conclusions: Through the clinical case of a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis coinfection, the condition is described of unusual clinical manifestations such as syphilitic alopecia in the scalp, eyebrows and the eyelashes region, among others.