Syphilis Maligna (Lues Maligna): A Case Report

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) produced by Treponema pallidum, an anaerobic
filamentous spirochete, which has a tropism for several organs and tissues in the body. A rare
form of detructive syphilide, with deeply ulcerative covered with thick crust lesions was
described under the name malignant syphilis (lues maligna).1 Most of the cases, resulting from
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced suppression of cell mediated immunity, have
been reported in HIV positive patients1-20 but some cases occur in individuals with poor health,
alcoholic or immunocompetent patients