The Intersection of HIV and Syphilis: Update on the Key Considerations in Testing and Management

Abstract

Purpose of review: To highlight recent trends in the epidemiology of HIV and syphilis, the impact of the COVID epidemic, our approach to care of co-infected patients, and our views on important next steps in advancing the field.

Recent findings: HIV and syphilis co-infection has been on the rise in recent years although since the COVID pandemic there is a decrease in new diagnoses-it remains unclear if this represents a true decline or inadequate testing or under-reporting. Standard HIV care should include regular syphilis serology .Treatment and serological follow-up of syphilis in HIV positive and negative patients can be conducted similarly. Challenges remain in the diagnosis and management of neurosyphilis. New models for testing and prevention will be crucial next steps in controlling co-infection. The intersection of HIV and syphilis infections continues to pose new and unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Keywords: HIV and syphilis; Serology; Syphilis testing; Syphilis treatment.