It is a matter of some dispute as to when Spirochaeta pallida enters the general circulation after the original inoculation. Formerly, it was taught that this widespread diffusion of the organisms occurred just prior to the appearance of the secondary lesions. This is now known to be not necessarily true. The case herein reported is interesting from several points of view. More specifically, it indicates that the spirochete may enter the general circulation some time before the appearance of the primary lesion.
REPORT OF A CASE
Doris, aged 17, unmarried, was admitted to the Evangeline Booth Hospital in Richmond, Va., on April 17, 1941. The patient was thirty-eight weeks pregnant by her history, and this was confirmed by the size of the uterus, which measured 34 cm. from the symphysis to the top of the fundus. The fetus lay in the left occipitoanterior position, and the fetal heart rate was