Secondary syphilis can present with which of the following complications?

Secondary syphilis can present with which of the following complications?

• A. Only a skin rash is present.
• B. Meningitis, uveitis, glomerulonephritis, synovitis, and hepatitis can occur.
• C. It is always asymptomatic.
• D. It resolves without any systemic involvement.

Answer: (B)

Secondary syphilis can involve multiple organs because the bacteria spread through the bloodstream during this stage. Meningitis (neurosyphilis), uveitis, glomerulonephritis, synovitis, and hepatitis are all known possible complications of this disseminated infection, reflecting its systemic nature. It isn’t limited to a skin rash, and it isn’t always asymptomatic—the disease can manifest with various systemic symptoms and organ-specific inflammation if not treated. That’s why this set of complications best describes secondary syphilis.

Secondary syphilis can involve multiple organs because the bacteria spread through the bloodstream during this stage. Meningitis (neurosyphilis), uveitis, glomerulonephritis, synovitis, and hepatitis are all known possible complications of this disseminated infection, reflecting its systemic nature. It isn’t limited to a skin rash, and it isn’t always asymptomatic—the disease can manifest with various systemic symptoms and organ-specific inflammation if not treated. That’s why this set of complications best describes secondary syphilis.