Latent syphilis

Patients with untreated syphilis may develop latent syphilis, which can continue for many years.
Serologic tests are positive but skin lesions are absent.
Perhaps 25% of untreated latent syphilis patients develop late or tertiary syphilis.

Treatment:

• Even though the disease is quiescent, treatment is necessary to prevent progression to late syphilis.
• See: Syphilis for treatment details.

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