What is one of the first signs of primary syphilis?

What is one of the first signs of primary syphilis?

• A. Fever and fatigue
• B. Lesion at the site of infection
• C. Widespread rash
• D. Loss of appetite

Answer: (B)

One of the primary signs of primary syphilis is the presence of a lesion at the site of infection, known as a chancre. This sore typically appears about three weeks after an individual is infected with the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum. The chancre is usually painless and may go unnoticed, but it is a key early indicator of syphilis. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention can prevent the progression of the infection to more advanced stages, which can lead to systemic complications. The other symptoms mentioned, such as fever and fatigue, while possibly associated with a variety of infections, are not specific to primary syphilis and may occur later in the disease course. Widespread rash and loss of appetite are also not indicators of primary syphilis; they are more reminiscent of secondary syphilis or other conditions. Therefore, identifying the chancre at the site of infection is essential in understanding and detecting primary syphilis effectively.

One of the primary signs of primary syphilis is the presence of a lesion at the site of infection, known as a chancre. This sore typically appears about three weeks after an individual is infected with the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum. The chancre is usually painless and may go unnoticed, but it is a key early indicator of syphilis. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention can prevent the progression of the infection to more advanced stages, which can lead to systemic complications.

The other symptoms mentioned, such as fever and fatigue, while possibly associated with a variety of infections, are not specific to primary syphilis and may occur later in the disease course. Widespread rash and loss of appetite are also not indicators of primary syphilis; they are more reminiscent of secondary syphilis or other conditions. Therefore, identifying the chancre at the site of infection is essential in understanding and detecting primary syphilis effectively.