Incubating Syphilis / Epidemiological treatment
Warning
If a patient is asymptomatic and reports exposure to infectious syphilis, discuss the option of:
- Immediate epidemiological treatment before any results have been received
or - Waiting for a positive result, repeating the serology at monthly intervals for three months
In an outbreak situation epidemiologic treatment should be given, especially if there is a chance the patient will not return.
Epidemiologically treated patients still require serological follow-up.
*Benzathine penicillin G 2.4MU intramuscular
(as*Extencilline 8ml) For administration, see Preparation Instructions for Extencilline 2.4MU
(NB unlicensed medication, named patient form may be needed)
PENICILLIN ALLERGY: Doxycycline 100mg twice daily orally for 14 days
Note: there have been some reports of azithromycin resistance for syphilis - so it should not be used!