Screening for syphilis among homosexual men in bars and saunas in Amsterdam.
Serological screening of 1627 homosexual men visiting two saunas and two bars in Amsterdam showed that 32.2% were seroreactive for syphilis. The 18-month study period ended in June 1981. Follow-up was possible in 91% (224/245) of subjects with both positive TPHA and VDRL test results; 76 cases of previously undetected syphilis were identified among 75 of the 224 men (incidence rate 4.6%). The rate of previously undetected syphilis declined appreciably during the study period. The cost of identifying one new case of syphilis was Df1577 (pounds 120 or US $ 220).
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D029002:Steam Bath; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis