title: Public health interventions to control syphilis.
abstract: Syphilis control strategies are old, but interventions have changed and there is now a more scientific approach to evidence of effectiveness. We searched PubMed using 'syphilis control' to identify papers that measured the effectiveness of interventions. We also included novel approaches and comprehensive responses to outbreaks. Few papers used high-quality research methodology and fewer evaluated impact on prevalence or incidence; most assessed intermediate outcomes. Syphilis can often be controlled by a combination of case finding, treatment and education. However, outbreaks are unique and ongoing evaluation is needed to see if interventions are producing intended intermediate outcomes at reasonable costs.
authors.affiliation: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E02, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Peterman
authors.affiliation: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E02, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Furness