Current characteristics of the HIV/syphilis co-infection epidemic

Abstract

Syphilis, alongside with HIV infection, remains a pressing public health issue due to its widespread prevalence among high-risk groups: men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and female sex workers (FSW). The MSM group shows a disproportionately high prevalence rate of HIV infection, with cases of syphilis/HIV co-infection also on the rise in this population. The increase in these co-infection cases deserves special attention. According to the literature, the rate of HIV infection among syphilis patients averages 15.7%. In addition, it varies significantly, going from 3% in the general population to 90% among MSM. Epidemiological surveillance data showed an increase in cases of HIV/syphilis co-infection in the MSM group, with the proportion of co-infection patients varying from 30 to 60% depending on the region. This syndemia can be explained by the fact that syphilis can contribute to HIV transmission and acquisition. The risk of HIV infection is 2 to 5 times higher among people with syphilis. At the same time, STDs are more and more difficult to control as the Internet and dating applications have made it easier to find potential sex partners. Given the high prevalence rate of syphilis among MSM, screening, diagnosis and treatment of STDs in this population should be a health care priority. Early detection and timely treatment of these socially significant diseases play an important role in epidemic prevention measures.