Malignant syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Malignant syphilis or Lues maligna, commonly reported in the pre-antibiotic era, has now seen a resurgence with the advent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Immunosuppression and sexual promiscuity set the stage for this deadly association of HIV and <i>Treponema pallidum</i> that can manifest atypically and can prove to cause diagnostic problems. We report one such case in a 30-year-old female who responded favorably to treatment with penicillin.