Latent syphilis is an asymptomatic stage of the infection where the Treponema pallidum bacteria remain in the body but cause no visible signs or symptoms.
It is only detectable via serologic blood testing.
Without treatment, it can progress to life-threatening tertiary syphilis affecting the heart and brain.
The latent phase is divided into two categories to determine contagiousness and appropriate treatment length:Early Latent: Infection occurred within the past 12 months.
The disease can still be transmitted sexually during this period.
Late Latent: Infection occurred more than 12 months ago.
It is generally not sexually transmissible, except from an infected mother to an unborn child.
During this hidden phase, a patient will feel completely healthy and show no physical symptoms.
Diagnosis relies entirely on blood tests identifying antibodies the immune system produces against the bacteria.
Early Latent Treatment: Typically treated with a single intramuscular injection of penicillin.
Late Latent Treatment: Because the bacteria multiply more slowly, this usually requires three doses of penicillin, each administered a week apart.
Pregnant individuals must be treated with penicillin to prevent congenital syphilis, which can cause severe developmental and neurological problems in newborns.