The syphilis epidemic and its relation to AIDS.
This article presents an overview of the history of medical and public health responses to syphilis in the 20th-century United States and briefly evaluates the relevance and significance of these approaches for the AIDS epidemic. The parallels are numerous: they relate to science, public health, civil liberties, and social attitudes concerning sexually transmitted infection. The strengths and limits of past approaches to controlling sexually transmitted diseases are explored as a possible guide for AIDS policy.
Brandt
A M
AM
Department of Social Medicine, and Health Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D011634:Public Health; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013587:Syphilis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D014481:United States; D035141:Voluntary Programs; D014857:Warfare
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents