Oral Manifestations of Syphilis Identified in Three Different Stomatology Services

Objectives: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, caused by Treponema pallidum bacteria. It can be transmitted by direct contact with lesions, blood and vertical transmission. Acquired syphilis classically presents three clinical stages of occurrence; in primary syphilis the bacterium replicates at the site of infection causing an erosion known as syphilitic chancre, classic in this stage. During secondary syphilis maculopapular lesions are normally found followed by a latency period until evolving to tertiary syphilis, in this stage a multiorganic condition can be presented, characterized by syphilitic gumma.The aim of this study was to determinate the most common oral manifestations in patients with syphilis.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 80 patients who attended Stomatology services of the University of Cartagena, the Aleman Hospital in Buenos Aires and the National University of Cordoba. In patients with a presumption of syphilis, a complete clinical history was carried out, performing Veneral Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL), Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-absortion test (FTA-ABS) and or Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination test (TPHA).
Results: Out of 80 studied patients 54% were male and 46% were female. 82.5% presented secondary syphilis, 17.5% primary syphilis and no patients with tertiary syphilis were found. Furthermore 8 patients presented HIV. Maculopapular lesions were the most commonly found (73%) located frequently in the tongue (34%).
Conclusions: Despite the progress towards prevention, diagnosis and treatment, syphilis remains as a public health problem, due to the high prevalence of syphilis, knowledge of the most frequent oral clinical manifestations is necessary for the dentist aiming to an early diagnosis, preventing its transmission, progression and considering the possibility of success in the treatment.