The antenatal screening with VDRL also explains the low incidence of congenital syphilis. It is caused by the spirochaete known as Treponema pallidum. Acquired Syphilis 5.1.1. The characteristic feature is the chancre , which is usually a solitary and painless ulcer with indurated base. It can occur at penis, vulva esp.
Inguinal lymphadenopathy is also common.
The enlarged lymph nodes are usually discrete, non-tender and rubbery in consistency. This stage usually occurs 6-8 weeks after chancre. There is no symptom or sign in this stage. The diagnosis is based on the positive serological tests. It is divided into early and late latent according to the arbitrary dividing line of two years.