Syphilis is currently one of the most urgent problems of modem dermatovenerology. In the last decade of the 20th century, Russia and eastern European countries in particular witnessed extremely high syphilis-related morbidity. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 330 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases are registered worldwide. Of them, syphilis accounts for 12 million cases. Clinical patterns and disease course have changed in the past decades. Importantly, the rates of neurosyphilis and visceral syphilis, as well as the incidence of latent forms and atypical manifestations, have dramatically increased. The resulting diagnostic difficulties and subsequent late detection of the disease led to the spread of syphilis and its inadequate treatment.
This atlas provides up-to-date information on the etiology and pathogenesis of syphilis, and particular attention is paid to clinical manifestations of primary and secondary syphilis. An emphasis is placed on detailed descriptions of atypical, rare clinical manifestations of primary and secondary stages of the disease, which is supported by an extensive collection of original images. It should be noted that the photographs were taken at the venereal department of Kirov regional hospital of dermatology and venereology.
The atlas is intended for interns, clinical residents, dermatologists, venereologists, urologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, and general practitioners. The authors hope that the atlas will aid physicians in their clinical practice.
Prof., Dr. med., Dr. h. c. mult.
Thomas Ruzicka,
Chairman Department of Dermatology and Allergy
Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich