Don’t forget about syphilis: sexually transmitted diseases during COVID-19 pandemic

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2020.2040
  • Andrea Di Buduo
    Unit of Dermatology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0675-3452
  • Laura Atzori
    Unit of Dermatology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8105-1402
  • Luca Pilloni
    Unit of Pathology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
  • Stefania Perla
    Unit of Dermatology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8076-1373
  • Franco Rongioletti
    Unit of Dermatology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
  • Caterina Ferreli
    Unit of Dermatology, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8223-6791

ABSTRACT

A great heterogeneity of skin manifestations has been increasingly associated with SARS-CoV2 infection, and especially exanthematous eruptions are considered among early presenting signs in symptomatic patients. In this report, a 58-year-old patient presented with fever, generalized rash and systemic symptoms as urgent consultation to the Dermatology Clinic of Cagliari amidst the Italian outbreak in late March 2020. After a negative nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2, secondary syphilis was confirmed by serological tests and skin biopsy, underlining that, even during a global pandemic, other common and important diseases should not be overlooked. The case also suggests thought on the ineffectiveness of distancing and social containment measures when dealing with sexually transmitted diseases.

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