In the tertiary stage of syphilis, which condition may occur?

In the tertiary stage of syphilis, which condition may occur?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Acute bronchitis
• C. Rash
• D. General paralysis and psychosis

Answer: (A)

In tertiary syphilis, the infection can invade the nervous system, causing neurosyphilis. When the meninges or CNS vessels are involved, inflammation can manifest as meningitis. This CNS involvement is a possible late-stage complication, alongside other neurosyphilitic presentations like general paresis with psychosis or tabes dorsalis. Rash is characteristic of secondary syphilis, and acute bronchitis is not related to syphilis. General paralysis and psychosis is another classic neurosyphilis outcome, but meningitis specifically illustrates how tertiary syphilis can affect the CNS through meningovascular involvement.

In tertiary syphilis, the infection can invade the nervous system, causing neurosyphilis. When the meninges or CNS vessels are involved, inflammation can manifest as meningitis. This CNS involvement is a possible late-stage complication, alongside other neurosyphilitic presentations like general paresis with psychosis or tabes dorsalis. Rash is characteristic of secondary syphilis, and acute bronchitis is not related to syphilis. General paralysis and psychosis is another classic neurosyphilis outcome, but meningitis specifically illustrates how tertiary syphilis can affect the CNS through meningovascular involvement.