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Neurosyphilis: A rare cause of encephalitis in a young male

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Acute neurosyphilis is a rare but easily treatable cause of subacute confusion. Its clinical presentation is varied, with reported phenotypes ranging from acute stroke-like presentations to psychosis, dementia and meningoencephalitis. Neurosyphilis is easily detectable and treatable, despite its clinical heterogeneity. We present a 45-year-old man without HIV presenting with a subacute encephalitis, with cerebrospinal fluid and blood markers strongly positive for syphilis, with clinical improvement following 2 weeks of empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Source: Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100312

Authors: William Cunningham, Michael Keogh, Nirmalan Arulanantham

Institutions: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500