A 25- year- old man presented with fever, malaise, and a rash on his chest, arms, and feet. Diagnosis was based on serological testing. The patient then reported that he had an ulcer on his penis two months earlier. What stage of disease is the patient in?
A) tertiary
B) primary
C) secondary
D) NGU

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is in the secondary stage of syphilis, based on the symptoms of fever, malaise, and rash, and the history of a primary lesion (ulcer) on his penis two months earlier. Serological testing further supports the diagnosis. Tertiary syphilis generally presents with more severe complications such as neurosyphilis or cardiovascular syphilis. NGU (non-gonococcal urethritis) is a different condition altogether and does not present with a rash or other symptoms described.

A 25- Year- Old Man Presented with Fever, Malaise, and a Rash