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Micro & Immunology · single question

A patient presents with a generalized maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles. Which stage of syphilis does this represent?

  1. Tertiary syphilis
  2. Latent syphilis
  3. Primary syphilis
  4. Secondary syphilis
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Correct answer: D. Secondary syphilis

Secondary syphilis classically presents with a generalized maculopapular rash that characteristically involves the palms and soles, occurring 4–10 weeks after the primary chancre.
  • A. Tertiary syphilis presents years later with gummas, cardiovascular disease, and neurosyphilis.
  • B. Latent syphilis is asymptomatic by definition.
  • C. Primary syphilis presents with a painless indurated chancre at the inoculation site — not a rash.
  • D. CORRECT. Secondary syphilis = maculopapular rash involving palms and soles. May also include oral mucous patches.

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