Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.

Detection of A2058G and A2059G on the 23S rRNA Gene by Multiplex Nested PCR to Identify <i>Treponema pallidum</i> Resistance to Azithromycin in Indonesia

“…Of the 220 patients diagnosed with secondary syphilis in Indonesia, the majority of male patients were MSM. This study is similar with another study in Makassar Indonesia which was reported higher number of cases of syphilis among MSM (19). Previous study in six Indonesian cities reported data and analyses which indicate that MSM are at elevated risk for HIV infection in many low and middle income countries (20)(21).…”

“…Previous study in six Indonesian cities reported data and analyses which indicate that MSM are at elevated risk for HIV infection in many low and middle income countries (20)(21). There is signicant risk for increasing number of transmission between syphilis and HIV among MSM group (19,(22)(23). Therefore, it should be considered in patients diagnosed with…”

Challenges in The Management of Ocular Syphilis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patient: A Case Report

“…[5] The primary and secondary phases typically occur over a period of weeks to months, but the interval between the secondary and tertiary phases can last up to several years. [6,7] Syphilis and HIV often co-occur and mutually influence each other. Syphilitic ulcers can serve as a source of entry for HIV infection.…”

Profile of Syphilis Risk Factors in The Productive Age Group at Dermatology and Venereology Clinic RSUD DR. Saiful Anwar, Malang Indonesia

“…This was reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2019, while the highest proportion of syphilis cases were in the age group of 25-34 years old 5 . The retrospective study conducted by Kusumawaty et al showed that the age group with the most syphilis patients in Makassar in 2017-2018 was between 21-30 years old (51.8%) 8 .…”