Effect of HIV infection on the course of syphilis.
Syphilis has been a public health problem for centuries. Syphilis and HIV form a dangerous combination: syphilis significantly increases the risk of contracting HIV infection, and HIV can alter the natural course of syphilis. Despite a better understanding of the interaction between these two diseases, many controversies persist. The incidence of syphilis has increased among HIV-infected patients both in Europe and in the USA, and especially in the homosexual/bisexual transmission group. We discuss the interaction between HIV/AIDS and syphilis in a review of the most recent literature, focusing particularly on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of HIV-infected patients with syphilis. Early diagnosis of syphilis in HIV-infected patients requires awareness among both patients and clinicians. Early treatment of syphilis is crucial as it reduces the risk of transmission.
Pialoux
Gilles
G
APHP, Dept. of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France. gilles.pialoux@tnn.aphp.fr
Vimont
Sophie
S
Moulignier
Antoine
A
Buteux
Marion
M
Abraham
Bruno
B
Bonnard
Philippe
P
D001727:Bisexuality; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology