Name of the Condition

• Early Syphilis, Latent
• Technical term: A51.5

Summary

• Early latent syphilis is a stage of syphilis infection where the individual is infected with the causative bacterium Treponema pallidum but exhibits no symptoms. This stage occurs within the first year after infection.

Causes

• Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.

Risk Factors

• Engaging in unprotected sex.
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Being sexually active with a partner who has syphilis.
• Having a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Symptoms

• During the latent stage of syphilis, there are no noticeable symptoms. Diagnosis typically occurs prior to this stage due to symptoms in the earlier primary or secondary stages.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) or the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, followed by more specific tests like the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test.

Treatment Options

• The standard treatment for latent syphilis, including early latent, is an intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G.
• The antibiotic eradicates the bacteria, halting disease progression but does not reverse any damage already caused.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is excellent, and the infection can be completely cured.
• Regular follow-ups and blood tests are recommended to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and the infection's resolution.

Complications

• If untreated, latent syphilis can progress to late latent syphilis and eventually to tertiary syphilis, leading to severe complications affecting the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and bones.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Consistent use of condoms during sex and regular STI screenings can help prevent syphilis.
• Limiting the number of sexual partners and ensuring partners are tested and free of STIs.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical advice if you suspect exposure to syphilis or if a sexual partner is diagnosed with syphilis, even in the absence of symptoms.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Syphilis information: CDC Syphilis webpage
• American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) - Information and support for STIs: ASHA website

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming through laboratory tests that the syphilis is in the early latent stage.
• Avoid confusion with other stages of syphilis by reviewing patient records for timing and symptoms prior to coding.