Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

How long does late latent syphilis last?

1. Less than one year

2. One to two years

3. More than two years

4. Five years or longer

The correct answer is: More than two years

Late latent syphilis is characterized as a stage of the disease that occurs after the initial and secondary stages have resolved, typically without any symptoms. This stage can last for many years, and it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact duration since individuals may remain asymptomatic. The correct answer, indicating that this phase lasts for more than two years, aligns with the understanding of syphilis progression within medical literature. Late latent syphilis is defined as occurring after syphilis infection when no signs or symptoms are apparent, typically ranging from two years to over 20 years. The longer duration allows for persistent serological responses to the infection without intervention, thus reinforcing the idea that individuals remain infectious over extended periods until treatment is administered. In summary, late latent syphilis is not limited to shorter durations, solidifying the notion that the condition can indeed persist for more than two years without proper diagnosis and treatment.