Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Neurosyphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, occurs when this organism breaches the central nervous system, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems such as those living with HIV. Neurosyphilis remains a global health concern, and its prevalen...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pasha S A Rahil, Parimala S, Natarajan Arvind
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
Online Access:https://jcbsonline.ac.in/articles/neurosyphilis-a-comprehensive-review-of-clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-treatment
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849728733995335680
author Pasha S A Rahil
Parimala S
Natarajan Arvind
author_facet Pasha S A Rahil
Parimala S
Natarajan Arvind
author_sort Pasha S A Rahil
collection DOAJ
description Neurosyphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, occurs when this organism breaches the central nervous system, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems such as those living with HIV. Neurosyphilis remains a global health concern, and its prevalence has risen significantly, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and among immunocompromised people, highlighting the importance of screening and public health interventions. Although neuroinvasion may happen at an early stage, the clinical signs might not appear until years later. Clinical presentations can differ from asymptomatic cases to serious complications such as meningitis and cognitive deficits. Diagnosis mainly relies on serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Penicillin remains the drug of choice, but alternative therapies may be necessary for penicillin allergy. Early detection and treatment significantly improve prognosis; however, late-stage cases may lead to permanent neurological damage. Increasing public awareness, providing education, and advancing research on diagnostic and treatment methods are essential to address the challenges of this re-emerging disease. Keywords: Neurosyphilis; Treponema pallidum; Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Central nervous system (CNS) involvement; HIV and neurosyphilis
format Article
id doaj-art-b6b261cac4b046e8bb599b0e673cdae5
institution DOAJ
issn 2231-4180
2319-2453
language English
publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research
record_format Article
series Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
spelling doaj-art-b6b261cac4b046e8bb599b0e673cdae52025-08-20T03:09:28ZengSri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and ResearchJournal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences2231-41802319-24532025-03-01151101510.58739/jcbs/v15i1.233Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and TreatmentPasha S A RahilParimala SNatarajan Arvind Neurosyphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, occurs when this organism breaches the central nervous system, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems such as those living with HIV. Neurosyphilis remains a global health concern, and its prevalence has risen significantly, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and among immunocompromised people, highlighting the importance of screening and public health interventions. Although neuroinvasion may happen at an early stage, the clinical signs might not appear until years later. Clinical presentations can differ from asymptomatic cases to serious complications such as meningitis and cognitive deficits. Diagnosis mainly relies on serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Penicillin remains the drug of choice, but alternative therapies may be necessary for penicillin allergy. Early detection and treatment significantly improve prognosis; however, late-stage cases may lead to permanent neurological damage. Increasing public awareness, providing education, and advancing research on diagnostic and treatment methods are essential to address the challenges of this re-emerging disease. Keywords: Neurosyphilis; Treponema pallidum; Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Central nervous system (CNS) involvement; HIV and neurosyphilishttps://jcbsonline.ac.in/articles/neurosyphilis-a-comprehensive-review-of-clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-treatment
spellingShingle Pasha S A Rahil
Parimala S
Natarajan Arvind
Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
title Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
title_full Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
title_fullStr Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
title_full_unstemmed Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
title_short Neurosyphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
title_sort neurosyphilis a comprehensive review of clinical manifestations diagnosis and treatment
url https://jcbsonline.ac.in/articles/neurosyphilis-a-comprehensive-review-of-clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-treatment
work_keys_str_mv AT pashasarahil neurosyphilisacomprehensivereviewofclinicalmanifestationsdiagnosisandtreatment
AT parimalas neurosyphilisacomprehensivereviewofclinicalmanifestationsdiagnosisandtreatment
AT natarajanarvind neurosyphilisacomprehensivereviewofclinicalmanifestationsdiagnosisandtreatment