Syphilis: old problem, new strategy

Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Sero-Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ecuador and Andhra Pradesh (India)

“…On the other hand, at an international scale, a syphilis outbreak has been reported particularly among MSM population groups (Buchacz et al, 2005;Doherty et al, 2002;Gao et al, 2009;Hopkins et al, 2004;Peterman et al, 2005). In accordance with this, the results of this research show that for both countries, syphilis prevalence in 2003 is higher among MSM, whereas HSV-2 mostly affects FSW population groups.…”

“…Even when the use of antibiotics is evident because of the global decline in syphilis prevalence (Sgaier et al, 2011), there is some evidence showing that in the last decade there has been a reappearing in several countries, specially among high-risk population groups such as MSM (Buchacz et al, 2005;Doherty et al, 2002;Gao et al, 2009;Hopkins et al, 2004;Peterman et al, 2005). In addition, the low effectiveness of contraceptives (including condoms) to prevent infections such as syphilis, on one hand, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics that increases the risk of resistant chains, on the other, could lead to a more complex situation regarding the eradication of this infection even when there is an effective treatment available nowadays.…”

Ocular syphilis: the return of an old acquaintance

“…Treponemal testing detects specific treponemal antibody, for example, the T. pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorbed (FTA-abs). 3 Syphilis is on the increase again as reported by Doherty et al 4 Between 1960 and the late 1970s, homosexually acquired syphilitic infection increased, keeping in with liberalisation of attitudes towards homosexual behaviour. However, changes in behaviour in response to HIV/AIDS, particularly among homosexual men, contributed to dramatic reduction in syphilis in the 1980s.…”

“…They are much more common in sickle cell thalassaemia (Sthal) and sickle cell C disease (SC). 4 The postulated reason is that in SS disease, the severe anaemia and thus low haematocrit lead to a lower blood viscosity than in Sthal or SC where anaemia is less marked and the haemoglobins exist in a higher concentration. Sickling has Superior macular sparing C Sanghvi et al 442…”

Sexual behaviour in Britain: why sexually transmitted infections are common

“…There have been several large outbreaks of syphilis in England over the last few years, notably in Manchester, Brighton, 6 and most recently in London where over 290 cases were diagnosed in the last year. These outbreaks have predominantly involved gay men, many of whom were also infected with HIV.…”