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  1. Right Decisions
  2. West of Scotland Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines [in development]
  3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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  5. Syphilis
  6. Early Latent Syphilis

Early Latent Syphilis

Warning

Syphilis serology is positive, person is asymptomatic and is within the first 2 years of infection.

Diagnosis

  • Serological tests are positive (on two separate occasions)
    AND
  • Known to have been syphilis serology negative within the last two years OR has positive specific IgM with likelihood of infection in the last two years
    AND
  • Patient is asymptomatic, with no clinical evidence of disease

Treatment, Complications & Follow-up 
As for primary syphilis.

Partner notification
Partner notification may need to extend to 2 years.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/09/2024

Next review date: 01/09/2026

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network in Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group .

Version: 8.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network in Sexual Health

Reviewer name(s): George Laird.