Final answer:
The latent stage of syphilis occurs between the secondary and tertiary stages of the disease.
The correct answer to the student's question is b) Secondary and tertiary stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The latent stage of syphilis occurs between the secondary and tertiary stages of the disease. During this stage, while there are no symptoms, the bacteria T
reponema pallidum are still present in the body, and blood tests can detect the infection. This stage can last for years after the active symptoms of the secondary stage resolve, generally even without treatment.
The secondary stage is marked by symptoms such as rash and mucous membrane sores, while the tertiary stage can lead to severe systemic damage, impacting the internal organs and potentially causing paralysis, blindness, seizures, and dementia.
The correct answer to the student's question is b) Secondary and tertiary stages.