Syphilis epidemics: a descriptive study of patients diagnosed in a tertiary hospital between 2011 and 2015

Abstract

Background and objective: In the last decade, the incidence of syphilis has increased in our health area. Our objective is to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with syphilis at our centre and their relationship with HIV.

Patients and methods: The clinical and epidemiological variables of patients diagnosed with syphilis in a third-level hospital over a period of 4.5 years, as well as their HIV status, were analysed through a descriptive study.

Results: There was a significant increase in the incidence of syphilis in the period 2011-2015. We included 220 patients, 98% men (94% MSM). 62% were HIV+ and 89% came in early/infectious stages of the disease. 7% were concomitantly diagnosed with HIV. There was a high number of sexual partners and frequent use of drugs associated with sexual activity (46%).

Conclusions: The incidence of syphilis has increased in our centre in the last 2 years. The most affected group is MSM, with high HIV prevalence and risk behaviours for STI acquisition.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Epidemiología; HIV; Infecciones de transmisión sexual; Sexually transmitted infections; Syphilis; Sífilis; VIH.