Final answer:
Patients with late latent or tertiary syphilis require monthly blood tests to monitor treatment effectiveness, especially if treated with antibiotics other than penicillin. Pregnant women with syphilis undergo treatment with penicillin to prevent transmission to their baby, emphasizing the importance of regular testing throughout the pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with late latent or tertiary syphilis require monthly tests after being treated to ensure the effectiveness of the therapy. During the late latent phase, the disease is symptom-free but microbes are still present at high levels. Blood tests can detect these microbes, and it's crucial for monitoring the patient's progress post-treatment.
The recommended treatment for syphilis is penicillin, specifically long-acting penicillin G for primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis, and three weekly doses of penicillin for late latent or tertiary syphilis. Retesting is important especially for those who were treated with antibiotics other than penicillin due to penicillin allergy, as these alternative treatments might be less effective.
For pregnant women with syphilis, penicillin is prescribed to prevent transmission to the fetus, with a success rate of 98% in preventing mother-to-fetus transmission. Those allergic to penicillin must undergo desensitization before treatment. Pregnant women should be tested multiple times throughout pregnancy and at delivery to safeguard a healthy pregnancy and delivery.