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The article provides guidelines for the management of syphilis in Europe. These guidelines include specific treatment according to the positive result in the laboratory test, preventive treatment in the absence of clinical and laboratory abnormalities, and prophylactic treatment for pregnant women who acquired the disease during pregnancy and for new born infants.

The article provides guidelines for consultation and examination for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in Europe. The examination and screening include the assessment of possible presence of anogenital warts, genital or perigenital molluscum contagiosum, and HIV infection. The patient's counseling would include advice on the need to avoid unprotected sexual intercourse and special care for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Syphilis poses a serious health problem in many developing countries and in some areas of North America and Europe, especially Eastern Europe. This article initially addresses the state of the art regarding the interaction between syphilis and HIV infection and its consequences for management and treatment. Further attention is given to laboratory diagnosis of syphilis and false-positive and false-negative serologic reactions. The diagnosis and management of neurosyphilis, ocular, cardiovascular, and congenital syphilis are addressed, as well as management of syphilis patients allergic to penicillin and the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Finally, the role of partner(s) and contact tracing is discussed.