The resurgence of syphilis among men who have sex with men

Abstract

As the infection remains relatively rare, clinicians treating men who have sex with men should maintain a high index of suspicion for syphilis lesions, and should screen their sexually active patients for latent disease. Debates about syphilis control and treatment continue. The clinical manifestations, serologic responses, efficacy of treatment, and complications of syphilis have always been complicated. HIV coinfection adds to the confusion.

Syphilis: The Renaissance of an Old Disease with Oral Implications

“…The fraction of syphilis transmission attributed to oral sex has been estimated between 20 and 46% in various literature reports coming from the USA and Europe (reviewed in Peterman and Furness [39]). …”

“…patients is often symptomless and these patients frequently present with secondary or latent infection. It is relevant to mention that with the relative increase in importance of oral sex in transmission of syphilis the primary lesion may not be in the genitals [39].…”

“…The interaction between HIV infection and syphilis is of great interest for the epidemiological and clinical implications that apply to both heterosexuals and MSM [39][40][41][42].…”

Re-Emergence of HIV Infection and Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…Data of literature report that syphilis transmission attributed to oral sex has been estimated between 20 and 46% (Peterman & Furness, 2007). Syphilis remains a global problem despite the existence of simple and validated screening tests; moreover, it has been described as strongly associated with prevalent HIV infection among MSM thereby playing an important role in the increase of this infection in a susceptible population.…”

Oral injuries as syphilis diagnosis: case report

“…Despite the introduction of penicillin in the mid-20th century it has been impossible to eradicate this disease. Its incidence has increased in many parts of the world, and its resurgence is associated with, among other factors, the oral sex without protection, which seems to be potentially linked to the increase in the transmission and incidence of the disease (12)(13)(14) . The objectives of this study were to report a case of syphilitic chancre in the oral cavity and the importance of early diagnosis.…”