Low prevalence of syphilis infection among key populations in Togo in 2017: a national cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the screening of syphilis among populations highly exposed to HIV. However, data on the prevalence of syphilis in these populations are scarce in Togo. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of syphilis among males who have sex with males (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and drug users (DU) in Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in August and September 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in eight major cities in Togo. A standardized questionnaire was used to record socio-demographic data and sexual behavior patterns. A blood sample was taken and SD Bioline Duo VIH/ Syphilis rapid test was used to test for HIV and syphilis. Results: A total of 2158 key populations (678 MSM, 1003 FSW and 477 DU), with an average age of 27.6 years (standard deviation 8.8 years) participated in the study. Prevalence of syphilis was 0.6% (95% CI = [0.3-1.0]) with no statistical significance between the three groups: null among MSM, 0.8% among FSW (95% CI = [0.37-1.63]) and 1.1% among DU (95% CI = [0.39-2.57]). There was no relation between HIV status and syphilis (p = 0.236). Among the 298 HIV-positive people, none was diagnosed with syphilis. Conclusions: Findings from this study reveal a low prevalence rate of syphilis among key populations in Togo. Specific interventions into HIV prevention programs should be reinforced to eliminate syphilis in Togo.

Magnitude and Determinants of Syphilis and HIV Co-Infection Among Female Sex Workers in Ethiopia: Evidence from Respondent Driven Samples, 2019–2020

“…21 However, a study conducted in Togo showed there was no relation between HIV status and syphilis infection. 22 In our study, the odds of Syphilis-HIV co-infection was 1.62-times higher among FSWs who had experienced condom breakage in the last 30 days compared to FSWs who had not experienced condom breakage in the last 30 days. This finding was in line with the findings from a study conducted in Dessei town which showed condom breakage was associated with an increasing prevalence of STI.…”

Prevalence of HIV and syphilis and their co-infection among men having sex with men in Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…People who are sexual minorities and marginalized and disproportionately affected by HIV— particularly, homosexual men, bisexual men, and male-to-female transgender people, are known together as ‘‘men who have sex with men (MSM)’’ [ 1 ]. The MSM is the most vulnerable group of people who are being at a high level of risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Asia due to unprotected anal sex, heterosexuality, multiple sex partners, etc [ [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] ]. Globally in 2018, the chance of being infected with HIV in gay men was 22 times higher than in all-adult men [ 6 ].…”

Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis and their Co-infection among Men Having Sex with Men in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…People who are sexual minorities and marginalized and disproportionately affected by HIV-particularly, homosexual men, bisexual men, and male-to-female transgender people, are known together as ''men who have sex with men (MSM)'' [1]. The MSM is the most vulnerable group of people who are being at a high level of risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Asia due to unprotected anal sex, heterosexuality, multiple sex partners, etc [2][3][4][5]. Globally in 2018, the chance of being infected with HIV in gay men was 22 times higher than the all-adult men [6].…”