Syphilis is renowned as the ‘great imitator’. Patients can present with various clinical symptoms so it’s important that clinical staff don’t forget to consider syphilis as a possible diagnosis.
The current increase in syphilis notifications in NSW means it is very important that clinics have a low threshold for requesting syphilis testing – it’s a simple blood test that can be added to the request when other tests are being done.
ASHM has recently released a clinical indicator tool for syphilis that can assist clinicians in diagnosis and management.
If you have further concerns related to syphilis or other STIs including Mpox you can contact the Sexual Health InfoLine (SHIL) Health Professionals Line Monday-Friday from 9:00am-7:00pm on 1800 451 624.
