High rates of syphilis among STI patients are contributing to the spread of HIV-1 in India

Molecular Subtyping of Treponema pallidum during a Local Syphilis Epidemic in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Melbourne, Australia

“…Similar trends have been recognized in other states of Australia, and outbreaks of syphilis in MSM have also been observed in other industrialized nations, such as the United States, Canada, and countries in Europe. There is now strong evidence that syphilis infection is contributing to increasing HIV incidence (7,10,17,18).…”

Current Status of Research on HIV Epidemic, Pathogenesis, Management and Prevention in India

“…The cohort studies at NARI also highlighted the role of various other sexually transmitted infections in HIV transmission. Ulcerative and non ulcerative STDs increase the risk of HIV acquisition and incident HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition three times [10] while incident syphilis increases the risk 4.44 times [11]. While these data have highlighted the importance of STI treatment and control for HIV prevention, studies using multiplex PCR techniques for diagnosis of genital ulcers not only demonstrated multiple aetiologies but also supported the use of syndromic treatment in the control program.…”

Syphilis in Men Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

“…T.pallidum decreased CD4 T-cell counts and increased HIV viral load Buchacz, 2004 Syphilis increased HIV transmission 2-to9-fold Chesson, 2003 First six months after exposure of syphilis, represent the of greatest risk for HIV infection Reynolds, 2006 Table 5. Syphilis and HIV transmission.…”

“…Studies epidemiologist showed that the syphilis increasing the likelihood of acquisition of HIV (Buchacz, 2004, Reynolds, 2006, Fleming 1999.…”