Latent syphilis lasts for how many years of infection?

Latent syphilis refers to the stage of syphilis infection where there are no clinical symptoms present, but the bacteria, Treponema pallidum, remain in the body. This stage typically occurs after the primary and secondary stages of syphilis.

The duration of latent syphilis can vary, but it is known to last on average around 2 to 4 years. During this time, while symptoms are not evident, individuals are still at risk for disease progression to tertiary syphilis if left untreated. Recognizing the timeline of latent syphilis is crucial because it helps in understanding the risk of complications and highlights the importance of screening and treatment for syphilis infections in general, even in the absence of visible symptoms.

The choices reflect different ranges of duration for latent syphilis, with the 2-4 year range being the most accurate based on clinical observations and studies in epidemiology.