Diagnosis Of Early Syphilis Research Articles

Treponema Pallidum rapid syphilis compared diagnostic algorithm syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Syphilis infection can be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose based on clinical symptoms. Early detection and treatment are critical for preventing and controlling syphilis as well as long-term serious complications. A serological examination based on the diagnostic algorithm was used to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis. Syphilis is frequent in high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Treponema pallidum (TP) rapid can be used for early syphilis detection. The diagnostic value of TP rapid with diagnostic algorithm (RPR-TPHA) utilizing whole blood in MSM should be studied. To determine the diagnostic value of TP rapid syphilis test compared to a diagnostic algorithm (RPR-TPHA) among MSM. A diagnostic test with a cross-sectional design at Dr Mohammad Hoesin Palembang General Hospital from November 2022 to January 2023. The sampling method was consecutive sampling with a total sample of 83 MSM based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All samples were tested for RPR, TPHA, and TP rapid. The diagnostic value of TP rapid was evaluated with RPR-TPHA as a diagnostic algorithm for syphilis. The sensitivity and specificity value of the TP rapid compare diagnostic algorithm as gold standard were 95.8% and 96.6% respectively. Other metrics: positive predictive value (PPV) 92%, negative predictive value (NPV) 98%, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 28.27, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.04, accuracy 96% and AUC 0.962. The TP rapid test has a high diagnostic value and can be used to establish an early diagnosis of syphilis in MSM.

A 4-fold or greater decrease in TPPA titers may indicate effective BPG treatment in primary syphilis

BackgroundIn the majority of clinical environments, the treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test is known for its higher specificity compared to the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and is commonly employed for the diagnosis of syphilis, but their use for serological monitoring after syphilis therapy is controversial. ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate whether the TPPA titers is suitable for monitoring syphilis treatment efficacy. MethodsAt first, 232 patients with primary syphilis were recruited. Serological testing was performed at baseline (initial visit) and at 6 months (±1 month) after benzathine penicillin G (BPG) treatment. Second, New Zealand white male rabbits were infected with Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) to evaluate the changes in TPPA titers after BPG therapy. Finally, we compared the TPPA titers in the culture supernatant of rabbit splenocytes stimulated with T. pallidum with or without BPG. ResultsAfter 6 months of treatment, 150 (64.7%) of 232 primary syphilis patients achieved serological cure, and 82 (35.3%) had adverse outcomes. Among 110 patients with TPPA titers decreased by more than fourfold, 109 of them were serological cure patients (≥4-fold decrease in RPR titers) (P ＜ 0.0001). In the rabbit model of syphilis, the TPPA titers was significantly decreased in the treatment subgroup (P = 0.016) and remained constant (±2-fold) or increased (≥4-fold) in the nontreatment subgroup. In addition, T. pallidum resulted in a positive TPPA titers in the culture supernatant of splenocytes (median titers was 1: 80), while BPG could directly reduce the TPPA titers in the culture supernatant (median titers was 1: 40) (P = 0.032). ConclusionsA 4-fold or greater decrease in TPPA titers may indicate effective treatment in primary syphilis. Combining TPPA titers with RPR titers results may potentially aid in the early diagnosis of syphilis.

Refining Timely Diagnosis of Early Syphilis by Using Treponema pallidum PCR or IgM Immunoblotting Next to Conventional Serology for Syphilis.

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum is a fastidious spirochete and the etiologic agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis diagnoses and disease staging are based on clinical findings and serologic testing. Moreover, according to most international guidelines, PCR analysis of swab samples from genital ulcers is included in the screening algorithm where possible. It has been suggested that PCR might be omitted from the screening algorithm due to low added value. As an alternative to PCR, IgM serology might be used. In this study, we wanted to establish the added value of PCR and IgM serology for diagnosing primary syphilis. Added value was defined as finding more cases of syphilis, preventing overtreatment, or limiting the extent of partner notification to more recent partners. We found that both PCR and IgM immunoblotting could aid the timely diagnosis of early syphilis in ~24% to 27% of patients. PCR has the greatest sensitivity and can be applied to cases with an ulcer with suspected reinfection or primary infection. In the absence of lesions, the IgM immunoblot could be used. However, the IgM immunoblot has better performance in cases with suspected primary infection than in reinfections. The target population, testing algorithm, time pressures, and costs should determine whether either test provides sufficient value to be implemented in clinical practice.

Exposing the Great Imitator: Proposal for a Holistic Diagnosis of Oral Secondary Syphilis in People Living with HIV.

Oral secondary syphilis may mimic various infectious, neoplastic, or immune-mediated processes; hence, its diagnosis may represent a challenge. Early diagnosis of syphilis, a disease that has increased in recent decades, is essential for adequate management, particularly in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to comprehensively characterize oral secondary syphilis in a group of 47 PLWH. A group of PLWH with oral secondary syphilis attending four HIV-referral centers in Mexico City was included (2004-2021). Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved, and an exhaustive oral examination was performed following the established criteria. Demographic, clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and serological features of the patients were analyzed. Approximately 11% of PLWH with oral secondary syphilis demonstrated negative Venereal Disease Research Laboratory tests. A noticeable feature was the absence of symptoms in 95.7% of cases, despite the clinically evident appearance of the lesions. In contrast to previous results, 18% of ulcerations were detected to be deep, crateriform, and infiltrative, and 22% of the mucous patches were highly keratotic lesions. Most samples (77.3%) showed superficial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the superficial lamina propria, with perivascular and perineural patterns, and immunohistochemistry was positive in 66.7% of the cases. The "great imitator" appears not only clinically but also histopathologically and immunohistochemically, where features may be comparable with those of chronic inflammatory processes, deep infections, or malignant processes. Although not recommended as a routine assay, IHC could be a critical tool, particularly in PLWH with atypical clinical features or with negative and/or dubious serology.

Usefulness of New Automated Treponemal Tests in the Diagnosis of Early Syphilis: A Series of 15 Cases

BackgroundSyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, subspecies pallidum. As these bacteria are difficult to culture, syphilis must be diagnosed by serologic testing. The introduction of automated treponemal tests has led to changes in the traditional diagnostic algorithm for syphilis, which began with a nontreponemal test. We present 15 cases of primary syphilis detected using these new tools and review the microbiologic techniques used for the diagnosis of early syphilis. Material and methodsWe examined all cases of syphilis diagnosed in our department between January 2013 and September 2018 and selected patients with negative nontreponemal (rapid plasma reagin [RPR]) tests. ResultsOf the 158 patients diagnosed with syphilis during the study period, 15 had a negative RPR test, and 14 of them had a positive treponemal test. Fourteen of the patients were men and ages ranged from 22 to 60 years. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect T pallidum in the lesion exudate from 8 patients and was positive in all cases. The 15 patients were treated with a single injection of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G. ConclusionChemiluminescence immunoassays and T pallidum automated enzyme-linked immunoassays are useful in the diagnosis of early syphilis, and we believe that they should be adopted as screening tools given their diagnostic sensitivity, speed, and low cost.

Utilidad de las nuevas pruebas treponémicas automatizadas en el diagnóstico de la sífilis precoz. A propósito de 15 casos

BackgroundSyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, subspecies pallidum. As these bacteria are difficult to culture, syphilis must be diagnosed by serologic testing. The introduction of automated treponemal tests has led to changes in the traditional diagnostic algorithm for syphilis, which began with a nontreponemal test. We present 15 cases of primary syphilis detected using these new tools and review the microbiologic techniques used for the diagnosis of early syphilis. Material and methodsWe examined all cases of syphilis diagnosed in our department between January 2013 and September 2018 and selected patients with negative nontreponemal (rapid plasma reagin [RPR]) tests. ResultsOf the 158 patients diagnosed with syphilis during the study period, 15 had a negative RPR test, and 14 of them had a positive treponemal test. Fourteen of the patients were men and ages ranged from 22 to 60 years. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect T pallidum in the lesion exudate from 8 patients and was positive in all cases. The 15 patients were treated with a single injection of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G. ConclusionChemiluminescence immunoassays and T pallidum automated enzyme-linked immunoassays are useful in the diagnosis of early syphilis, and we believe that they should be adopted as screening tools given their diagnostic sensitivity, speed, and low cost.

Usefulness of the new automated treponemal tests in the diagnosis of early syphilis. A report of 15 cases

Usefulness of the new automated treponemal tests in the diagnosis of early syphilis. A report of 15 cases

Diagnostic performance of PCR assays for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis: a systematic review

IntroductionSyphilis continues to be a major public health problem and the recent resurgence in syphilis in high-income settings has seen an accompanying increase in cases of neurosyphilis. While the introduction...

The disappearance of femoral head and neck resulting from extensive bone defect caused by secondary syphilis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundTreponema Pallidum (TP), the pathogen of syphilis, commonly infects bones in cases of congenital and tertiary syphilis, but it is rare in the primary and secondary stages. With its mild symptoms and rare clinical findings, it might be easy to dismiss the diagnosis of early syphilis. Usually, effective results can be achieved after the conventional strategy of antibiotic treatments, mainly penicillin. To our knowledge, our case is so far the most serious reported case of destructive bone lesion in secondary syphilis, and our treatment for the case is the first strategy using total hip arthroplasty in secondary syphilis.Case presentationWe present the case of a 71-year-old man with local repeated pain and dysfunction in the right hip. Radiologic examinations showed the disappearance of the ipsilateral femoral head and neck. After excluding the aetiologies of cancer metastasis and tuberculosis, we confirmed the diagnosis of syphilitic arthritis. The patient received the medical treatment of antibiotics and the surgical treatment of total hip arthroplasty. At the follow-up of 1, 3, and 5.5 years after the operation, the patient presented with a pain-free and functional hip prosthesis without local signs of infection and loosening.ConclusionsThis report highlights the difficulties of early diagnosis of secondary syphilis with bone involvement. Bone defect of the femur with secondary syphilis, especially at the proximal femur, was an extremely rare complication in the previous reports. Our case was the first case of a patient who experienced the disappearance of femoral head and neck caused by secondary syphilis. Follow-up after the operation proved the successful treatment of the extensive bone defect of femur by total hip arthroplasty.

Evaluation of prototype IgA rapid test on diagnosis of early active syphilis

Objective To evaluate the application of Burnet Institute-made prototype IgA rapid test, a kind of point-of-care (POC) testing, in the diagnosis of early syphilis. Methods Totally, 455 stored serum samples in the Reference Laboratory of Sexually Transmitted Disease, the Institute of Dermatology were used to evaluate the application of the prototype IgA rapid test (IgA-POC) in the diagnosis of early syphilis. According to resluts of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) , rapid plasma reagin card test (RPR) , and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgM antibodies (IgM-ELISA) , these stored samples were divided into 3 groups: uninfected group, previously infected group and early active syphilis group. IgA-POC test was performed in the 3 groups to evaluate its diagnostic performance for active syphilis, and researchers were blind to the group information. Results The prototype IgA-POC test had a sensitivity of 92.6% (147/163) for the early active syphilis group, a specificity of 72.22% (104/144) for the previously infected group, and a specificity of 97.97% (145/148) for the uninfected group. The total specificity of the prototype IgA-POC test was 85.27%, which met the minimum requirement of WHO for the POC test. The prototype IgA-POC test showed a significantly higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of early active syphilis compared with the IgM-ELISA (59.51%, Z = 6.88, P < 0.05) , but a significantly lower specificity for the diagnosis of previous syphilis infection compared with the IgM-ELISA (98.61%, Z= 6.18, P < 0.05) . Moreover, no significant difference in the specificity for the diagnosis of non-infection was observed between the prototype IgA-POC test and IgM-ELISA (Z= 1.16, P= 0.25) . Conclusion The prototype IgA-POC test has better capacity for the diagnosis of early active syphilis compared with the IgM-ELISA, so it can be applied to the screening of early active syphilis. Key words: Syphilis; Syphilis serodiagnosis; Point of care testing

Cross-sectional study of Treponema pallidum PCR in diagnosis of primary and secondary syphilis.

Syphilis remains a major challenge and a complex diagnosis. We aim to evaluate the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Treponema pallidum (Tp) detection in various types of biological samples in the diagnosis of early syphilis. We conducted a cross-sectional study including all attendees of the STI clinic with clinical suspicion of early syphilis. One or more specimens for the detection of Tp by PCR testing were collected. The overall sensitivity of Tp PCR test was 82.61% (95% CI: 68.6-92.2%). Tp PCR test had sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6-98.1%) in primary syphilis cases and 81.8% (95% CI: 64.5-93%) in secondary syphilis cases. PCR test performance was independent of HIV status. Tp PCR test is a fast and reliable method for the detection of Tp in skin lesions of early syphilis, and it is a powerful tool in clinical settings.

Genotyping of Treponema pallidum in patients with early syphilis in Guangxi province

Objective To investigate genotyps of Treponema pallidum (Tp) in several cities in Guangxi province. Methods A total of 300 patients with suspected early syphilis were enrolled from STD clinics in Guangxi between January 2012 and July 2016, and tissue fluid samples were collected from skin lesions. Silver staining was performed to detect Tp, and PCR to amplify the Tp polA gene for the diagnosis of early syphilis. Positive samples were subjected to PCR amplification of a 60-bp tandem repeat region within the arp gene, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the tpr Ⅱ gene after digestion with Mse Ⅰ enzyme and tp0548 genotyping. Results Finally, 215 patients were diagnosed with early syphilis, including 210 (97.7%) patients positive for PCR and 105 (48.8%) patients positive for silver staining, and the positive rate significantly differed between the two methods (χ2= 103.01, P < 0.05) . Among the PCR-positive samples, 190 could be genotyped by analysis of three target genes, and 17 genotypes were identified. The genotype 14d/f was predominant (45.3%, 86/190) , followed by 15d/f (13.7%, 26/190) , 16d/f (11.6%, 22/190) , 17d/f (7.4%, 14/190) , 13d/f (6.8%, 13/190) , 10d/f (4.2%, 8/190) , 18d/f (1.6%, 3/190) , 16a/f (1.6%, 3/190) , 5d/f (1.1%, 2/190) , 7d/f (1.1%, 2/190) , 12d/f (1.1%, 2/190) , 16d/e (1.1%, 2/190) , 14a/f (1.1%, 2/190) , 9h/c (1.1%, 2/190) , 15l/f (0.5%, 1/190) , 25a/e (0.5%, 1/190) , 15i/f (0.5%, 1/190) . Conclusion Tp genotypes are diversified in patients with early syphilis in Guangxi, and the genotype 14 d/f is predominant. Key words: Syphilis; Treponema pallidum; Genotyping techniques; Polymerase chain reaction; Silver staining

Stages of syphilis in South China \u2013 a multilevel analysis of early diagnosis

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of syphilis and timely treatment can effectively reduce ongoing syphilis transmission and morbidity. We examined the factors associated with the early diagnosis of syphilis to inform syphilis screening strategic planning.MethodsIn an observational study, we analyzed reported syphilis cases in Guangdong Province, China (from 2014 to mid-2015) accessed from the national case-based surveillance system. We categorized primary and secondary syphilis cases as early diagnosis and categorized latent and tertiary syphilis as delayed diagnosis. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the factors associated with early diagnosis. We also examined the factors associated with early diagnosis at the individual and city levels in multilevel logistic regression models with cases nested by city (n = 21), adjusted for age at diagnosis and gender.ResultsAmong 83,944 diagnosed syphilis cases, 22% were early diagnoses. The city-level early diagnosis rate ranged from 7 to 46%, consistent with substantial geographic variation as shown in the multilevel model. Early diagnosis was associated with cases presenting to specialist clinics for screening, being male and attaining higher education level. Cases received syphilis testing in institutions and hospitals, and diagnosed in hospitals were less likely to be in early diagnosis. At the city-level, cases living in a city equipped with more hospitals per capita were less likely to be early diagnosis.ConclusionsTo enhance early diagnosis of syphilis, city-specific syphilis screening strategies with a mix of passive and client/provider-initiated testing might be a useful approach.

High HIV incidence in men who have sex with men following an early syphilis diagnosis: is there room for pre-exposure prophylaxis as a prevention strategy?

ObjectivesHIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is becoming a pivotal strategy for HIV prevention. Understanding the impact of risk factors for HIV transmission to identify those at highest risk would favour the...

Screening for Syphilis: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Screening for syphilis infection is currently recommended for high-risk individuals, including those with previous syphilis infection, an infected sexual partner, HIV infection, or more than 4 sex partners in the preceding year. To update a 2004 systematic review of studies of syphilis screening effectiveness, test accuracy, and screening harms in nonpregnant adults and adolescents. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through October 2015 and Ovid MEDLINE (January 2004 to October 2015), with updated search through March 2016. English-language trials and observational studies of screening effectiveness, test accuracy, and screening harms in nonpregnant adults and adolescents. One investigator abstracted data, a second checked data for accuracy, and 2 investigators independently assessed study quality using predefined criteria. Transmission of disease, including HIV; complications of syphilis; diagnostic accuracy; and harms of screening. No evidence was identified regarding the effectiveness of screening on clinical outcomes or the effectiveness of risk assessment instruments; the harms of screening; or the effectiveness of screening in average-risk, nonpregnant adolescents or adults or high-risk individuals other than men who have sex with men (MSM) or men who are HIV positive. Four non-US studies indicated higher rates of syphilis detection with screening every 3 months vs 6 or 12 months for early syphilis in HIV-positive men or MSM. For example, there was an increased proportion of asymptomatic, higher-risk MSM in Australia (n = 6789 consultations) receiving a diagnosis of early syphilis when tested every 3 months vs annually (53% vs 16%, P = .001), but no difference among low-risk MSM. Treponemal and nontreponemal tests were accurate in asymptomatic individuals (sensitivity >85%, specificity >91%) in 3 studies but required confirmatory testing. Reverse sequence testing with an initial automated treponemal test yielded more false reactive test results than with rapid plasma reagin in 2 studies, one with a low-prevalence US population (0.6% vs 0.0%, P = .03) and another in a higher-prevalence Canadian population (0.26% vs 0.13%). Screening HIV-positive men or MSM for syphilis every 3 months is associated with improved syphilis detection. Treponemal or nontreponemal tests are accurate screening tests but require confirmation. Research is needed on the effect of screening on clinical outcomes; effective screening strategies, including reverse sequence screening, in various patient populations; and harms of screening.

The Significance of Isolated Reactive Treponemal Enzyme Immunoassay in the Diagnosis of Early Syphilis.

The Treponemal test algorithm for syphilis screening is widely used. A diagnostic challenge between identifying early syphilis versus a false positive signal occurs in cases where the treponemal enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is reactive and confirmatory T. pallidum particle agglutination assay is negative. We investigated the diagnostic outcome of isolated reactive EIA in patients attending a sexual health clinic. Results of syphilis serology tests carried out at Birmingham Whittall Street Clinic between August 10, 2010, and November 31, 2014, were reviewed. Cases with isolated EIA were routinely invited for repeat syphilis serology. Outcomes of patients with isolated EIA were reviewed and the proportion with confirmed positive syphilis serology on their repeat test identified. The number of isolated EIA cases needed to retest to identify 1 case of early syphilis was calculated. A total of 121,724 syphilis screening tests were performed. Among the 1561 individual patients with reactive EIA sera, 316 (20% of total reactive tests) had isolated reactive EIA. Repeat syphilis serology results of 163 patients were reviewed; 106 patients remained with isolated reactive EIA, 50 had negative EIA test and 7 (4.3%) had confirmed reactive EIA. Of the 7 patients, 2 had evidence of early syphilis infection. The number of isolated EIA needed to retest to identify 1 case of early syphilis was 81.5 (95% confidence interval, 22.9-671.4). Routine recall of patients with isolated EIA sera is not warranted. Risk of acquisition or presence of early syphilis should be assessed independently and irrespective of a negative syphilis screening test or isolated EIA.

P172 High HIV incidence in MSM diagnosed with early syphilis: a role for PrEP?

Background Understanding the risk factors for HIV acquisition allows targeted interventions to reduce HIV transmission such as PrEP. Aims/Objectives To evaluate HIV incidence in HIV-negative MSM with early syphilis infection. Methods A retrospective case-note review of MSM who were diagnosed with early syphilis between January and June 2014 at a London sexual health clinic. Results 206 MSM were diagnosed with early syphilis: 110 HIV-negative; 96 HIV-positive. For 110 HIV-negative MSM, median age was 32 y, median number of sexual partners in last 3 months was 4. Reported drug use in the previous month was 38%; 19% had injected drugs. Syphilis stage was primary (31%), secondary (25%), early latent (45%).Up to February 2016, total follow-up was 144 person-years. 12 (11%) were newly diagnosed HIV-positive. HIV incidence was 8.3 (95% confidence interval, CI 4.2–14) per 100 person-years follow-up (HPYFU). Incidence of rectal STIs was: rectal chlamydia, 27 HPYFU (CI 19–36); rectal gonorrhoea, 33 HPYFU (CI 25–44); syphilis re-infection, 10 HPYFU (CI 5.7–17). Conclusions The significant risk of HIV seroconversion following a diagnosis of early syphilis suggests that this group may particularly benefit from the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. The high levels of subsequent rectal infections support the inclusion of regular STI screening in PrEP management guidelines.

Treatment and outcomes of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed early syphilis.

Background Syphilis is resurgent among gay and bisexual men (GBM) despite effective treatment and widely available diagnostic serology. The polymerase chain reaction assay for Treponema pallidum (TP-PCR) is available, but little is known about the clinical features and outcomes for patients testing positive by TP-PCR. Clinical data were collected from four medical practices for patients recording a positive TP-PCR result between 2004 and 2011. Demographic, serological, treatment and reinfection details were obtained. Results were stratified by HIV status and whether treatment conformed to international guidelines. 220 patients were positive for TP-PCR, of whom 92% were GBM. Seventeen (8.1%) were positive by TP-PCR before seroconversion. Almost one-third (32.1%) received treatment beyond that recommended in guidelines, and this was associated with HIV status (40.3% HIV positive vs 22.4% HIV negative, P<0.01). All but one patient with adequate follow up achieved serological cure. There was no significant difference in time to serological cure between the groups receiving standard therapy or enhanced therapy (95 vs 108 days; P=0.67) or between HIV positive and negative patients (93 vs 104 days, P=0.06). Nineteen patients were reinfected during follow up. TP-PCR aids early diagnosis of syphilis and may be reactive before conventional serological tests. Treatment outcomes for TP-PCR-positive early infection were excellent, but a significant proportion of patients received non-standard therapy. Expanded use of syphilis PCR testing in at-risk populations is recommended since early identification and treatment is likely to be important in controlling the current epidemic in GBM.

Characteristics and coinfection with syphilis in newly HIV-infected patients at the University Hospital Dresden 1987-2012.

In Germany, notification data cannot be used to determine HIV and syphilis coinfection. No regional cohort has been studied for this in Eastern Germany. The rising incidence of syphilis from 2010 to 2012, predominantly in men having sex with men (MSM), has been suggested as a cause for recent increases in HIV infection rates in this group. Characteristics of 355 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at the University Hospital Dresden 1987-2012 were retrospectively compared to German surveillance data from the region of Dresden. Additionally, coinfection with syphilis was determined. Compared to German surveillance data, we observed higher proportions of persons originating from high prevalence countries and of AIDS cases. In the age group of up to 25 years, the proportion of MSM has risen 3-fold since 2001. At time of HIV diagnosis, seroprevalence of syphilis was 20.3 %. Active syphilis (VDRL ≥ 1: 8) occurred in 6.7 % of patients, predominantly MSM, who also exhibited a significantly higher HIV viral load. Our findings suggest a causative relationship between recently rising incidences of syphilis and HIV infection in MSM. Early diagnosis of syphilis may promote earlier diagnosis of HIV infection; therefore, HIV prevention measures should also include other sexually transmitted infections.

Viral loads among young HIV-infected men with early syphilis.

High rates of HIV coinfection among men with syphilis suggest HIV transmission opportunities due to biologic and behavioral risk synergy. We abstracted HIV viral loads for HIV-infected males aged 24 years or younger with a diagnosis of early syphilis (ES) in Maricopa County, Arizona, in order to evaluate HIV infectivity. During 2009 to 2012, there were 56 HIV-infected, ES cases meeting the age criteria, of whom 32 (57%) had a detectable viral load performed within 1 year of syphilis diagnosis (median 21 000 copies/mL, range 130-302 844 copies/mL). Only 4 (7%) of the 56 patients had an undetectable viral load (<100 copies/mL) reported within a year of syphilis diagnosis. Twenty (36%) had no reported viral load or a viral load collected after 1 year of syphilis diagnosis. Among this group of young men coinfected with HIV and ES, many had detectable viral loads collected near the time of syphilis diagnosis, suggesting the potential for HIV transmission.