Microbiology Practice Exam

What is characterized by chronic, often benign, soft tissue granulomas in tertiary syphilis?

1. Chancre

2. Rash

3. Gummas

4. Lesions

The correct answer is: Gummas

In tertiary syphilis, gummas are soft tissue masses that result from a chronic inflammatory response to the infection. They are granulomatous lesions that can occur in various organs, including the skin, bones, and liver. These structures are typically benign and can present as nodular lesions that may ulcerate or form large, rubbery masses. The presence of gummas is a hallmark of the late stage of syphilis and signifies a prolonged infection that has progressed beyond its initial stages. The other options do not specifically refer to the granulomatous lesions indicative of tertiary syphilis. A chancre is an early primary lesion commonly associated with the first stage of syphilis, rash can occur in secondary syphilis but does not represent the chronic condition seen in tertiary syphilis, and while "lesions" is a broad term, it does not specifically denote the distinct and characteristic gummas found in this stage of the disease. Thus, gummas are the defining feature of chronic, benign granulomas in tertiary syphilis.