American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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When should patients with primary and secondary syphilis have repeat serologic testing?

3 and 6 months
6 and 12 months
12 and 24 months
24 and 36 months

The correct answer is: 6 and 12 months

Patients with primary and secondary syphilis should undergo repeat serologic testing at 6 and 12 months after treatment to ensure that the infection has been adequately treated and to monitor for any signs of reinfection. This follow-up is crucial because syphilis may have serious long-term complications if not properly addressed, including cardiovascular and neurological issues. The 6-month follow-up is particularly important because it allows for early detection of treatment failures or reinfections before complications arise. The follow-up at 12 months serves as an additional check to confirm that the serologic response continues to demonstrate an adequate decline in antibody levels, which indicates successful treatment. Regular monitoring at these intervals helps healthcare providers assess the patient’s response to treatment and ensures that public health measures can be enacted if necessary for ongoing prevention and control of syphilis transmission.