Primary Syphilis in the Male Urethra: A Case Report

Clin Infect Dis. 2019 Mar 19;68(7):1231-1234. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciy771.

Abstract

We documented urethral Treponema pallidum infection in a man with nongonococcal urethritis and a negative syphilis serology using broad-range bacterial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, targeted PCR, and immunofluorescence microscopy. He subsequently seroconverted for syphilis. Early syphilis may present as urethritis. Urethral T. pallidum shedding can occur before seroconversion.

Keywords: Treponema pallidum; 16S rRNA gene PCR; nongonococcal urethritis; primary syphilis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Syphilis / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis / pathology*
  • Treponema pallidum / genetics
  • Treponema pallidum / isolation & purification*
  • Urethra / pathology*
  • Urethritis / diagnosis*
  • Urethritis / pathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Syphilis, primary