A 28-year-old man presents with a painless indurated genital ulcer. Dark-field microscopy of the serous exudate shows corkscrew-shaped organisms with characteristic motility. The RPR test is positive. Secondary syphilis manifests approximately how long after the primary chancre?
- A 1–2 weeks
- B 6–8 weeks (range 2–12 weeks) ✓
- C 3–6 months
- D 1–2 years
Correct answer: B. 6–8 weeks (range 2–12 weeks)
Explanation
Secondary syphilis typically appears 6–8 weeks after the primary chancre (range 2–12 weeks), representing hematogenous dissemination of Treponema pallidum. The primary chancre may still be present when secondary features (non-itchy copper-red maculopapular rash involving palms and soles, condylomata lata, mucous patches, generalized lymphadenopathy, alopecia) appear. The overlap of primary and secondary stages is seen in ~25% of cases.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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