Systematic review on molecular detection of congenital and neonatal infections caused by TORCH and SARS-CoV-2 in newborns' cerebrospinal fluid / Revisáo sistemática sobre deteção molecular de infecções congênitas e neonatais causadas por TORCH e SARS-CoV-2 no líquido cefalorraquidiano de recém-nascidos

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the use and identify advantages of molecular methods for congenital infections diagnosis in cerebrospinal fluid of neonates. Data source: The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under CRD42021274210. The literature search was performed in databases: PubMed, Virtual Health Library/ Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (VHL/BIREME), Scopus, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Cochrane, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost. The search was carried out from August to October 2021 and updated in December 2022, respecting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The selection sequence was: 1) Duplicate title removal; 2) Examination of titles and abstracts; 3) Full-text retrieval of potentially relevant reports; and 4) Evaluation of the full text according to eligibility criteria by two independent authors. Inclusion criteria considered randomized and non-randomized control trials, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and peer-reviewed studies in humans, published in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, with newborns up to 28 days old who had congenital neuroinfections by toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex (TORCH), and others such as Treponema pallidum, Zika, parvovirus B-19, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr, and SARS-CoV2, diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two evaluators extracted the following information: author, year of publication, nationality, subjects, study type, methods, results, and conclusion. Data synthesis: The most studied pathogen was herpes simplex. Several articles reported only nonspecific initial symptoms, motivating the collection of cerebrospinal fluid and performing PCR for etiological investigation. Conclusions: Molecular methods are effective to detect pathogen genomes in cerebrospinal fluid, which can impact clinical evolution and neurological prognosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a utilização e identificar as vantagens dos métodos moleculares para diagnóstico de infecções congênitas no líquido cefalorraquidiano de neonatos. Fontes de dados: A revisão foi registrada na base PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) sob CRD42021274210. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde/ Centro Latino-Americano e do Caribe de Informação em Ciências da Saúde (BVS/BIREME), Scopus, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Cochrane, ProQuest, e EBSCOhost. A busca foi feita no período de agosto a outubro de 2021 e atualizada em dezembro de 2022, respeitando as orientações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews e Meta-Analyises (PRISMA). A sequência da seleção dos estudos foi: 1) Remoção de duplicatas; 2) Exame de títulos e resumos; 3) Recuperação dos textos completos potencialmente relevantes; e 4) Avaliação do texto completo conforme critérios de elegibilidade por dois autores independentes. O critério de inclusão considerou ensaios clínicos randomizados e não randomizados, estudos longitudinais, transversais, revisados por pares, estudos em humanos, publicados em inglês, espanhol, italiano e português, com recém-nascidos de até 28 dias que sofreram neuroinfecções congênitas pelos agentes toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovírus, herpes simples (TORCH), e outros como Treponema pallidum, Zika, parvovírus B-19, varicela zoster, Epstein-Barr, e SARS-CoV-2, diagnosticadas por reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Dois avaliadores extraíram as seguintes informações: autor, ano de publicação, nacionalidade, sujeitos, tipo de estudo, métodos, resultados e conclusão. Síntese dos dados: O patógeno mais estudado foi Herpes Simples. Muitos artigos relataram somente sintomas iniciais inespecíficos, motivando a coleta de líquido cefalorraquidiano e realização da PCR para investigação etiológica. Conclusões: Os métodos moleculares são eficazes para detectar o genoma do patógeno no líquido cefalorraquidiano, o que pode impactar na evolução clínica e no prognóstico neurológico.

Incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e nomunicípio de Seropédica nos anos de 2010 a 2022 / Incidence of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro andmunicipality of Seropédica in the years 2010 to 2022

Sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) que sinaliza a necessidade de efetivas políticas públicas devido ao aumento de casos na última década. Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho é descrever a incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e no município de Seropédica. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), referentes ao município de Seropédica e ao estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2010 a 2022. Resultados: foram identificados 105.138, 79.609 e 42.819 casos de sífilis adquirida, em gestantes e congênita, respectivamente, no estado do Rio de Janeiro e 187, 140 e 79 casos de sífilis adquirida, em gestantes e congênita, respectivamente, no município de Seropédica. Foi observado uma incidência maior para sífilis adquirida entre homens em comparação com mulheres tanto no estado do Rio de Janeiro (62.719 versus 42.346) quanto no município de Seropédica (110 versus 77). Houve um aumento nas taxas de incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e no município de Seropédica ao longo dos anos. Conclusão: a sífilis segue sendo uma doença com alta incidência no território do Rio de Janeiro. Nesse sentido, é importante elaborar estratégias em saúde pública mais efetivas às pessoas acometidas por tal infecção.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that signals the need for effective public policies due to the increase in cases in the last decade. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the incidence of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and in the municipality of Seropédica. Methods: a descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. Data collection was performed through the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), referring to the municipality of Seropédica and the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2010 to 2022. Results: overall, 105.138, 79.609 and 42.819 cases of acquired syphilis, in pregnant women, and congenital syphilis, respectively, were identified in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and 187, 140, and 79 cases of acquired syphilis, in pregnant women, and congenital syphilis, respectively, were identified in the municipality of Seropédica. A higher incidence of acquired syphilis was observed among men compared to women both in the state of Rio de Janeiro (62.719 versus 42.346) and in the municipality of Seropédica (110 versus 77). There has been an increase in the incidence rates of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Seropédica over the years. Conclusion: syphilis continues to be a disease with a high incidence in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. In this sense, it is important to develop more effective public health strategies for people affected by this infection.

Prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women in Brazil: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review accompanied by a meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women in Brazil and describe its associated factors. Methods: Following the establishment the search strategies and the registration of the review protocol in PROSPERO, we conducted a search for relevant articles in the Pubmed, LILACS, Science Direct, SciELO and Web of Science databases. Our inclusion criteria were cross-sectional studies published between 2005 and 2023, with no language restrictions. The combined prevalence of syphilis infection was estimated using the random effects model in the R Software with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and p < 0.01 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 24 articles were recruited, which together investigated 221,884 women. The combined prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women in Brazil was 1.79% (95% CI: 1.24-2.57%), and the main factors associated with its occurrence were black and brown skin color, low education and factors related to the partner. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy in Brazil, mainly associated with socioeconomic factors.

Surgical treatment of giant penile and scrotal lymphedema after syphilitic infection. Case report.

Penile and scrotal lymphedema is characterized by an abnormal retention of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue of the penis and scrotum, due to a deficiency in lymphatic drainage, causing edema, pain, dysuria and sexual dysfunction. The present report describes a patient with a giant penile and scrotal lymphedema after syphilitic infection, treated by excision of all the compromised skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue, with primary reconstruction with partial skin autograft and flap rotation. Literature review showed good functional results (erections and ejaculation) with the use of techniques that resected the skin and subcutaneous tissue and reconstructed the penis using skin grafts. This report can help in the differential diagnosis of lymphedema in the external genitalia and presents an aesthetical and functional reconstructive approach, showing the versatility and applicability of the graft and the fasciocutaneous flap of the thigh in this topography.

Prevalence and determinants associated with T. pallidum infection in adults from poor urban communities, Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, despite the increase in coverage and access to rapid testing for syphilis in primary health care, no reduction in cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis was observed. Poor and low-educated populations are disproportionately affected by infection caused by T. pallidum. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among people aged 18 to 49 years old in the city of Belém, brazilian amazon. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study carried out in a sanitary administrative district of a capital of the Brazilian Amazon, Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Data collection was conducted from August 2021 to February 2022. The participantes consisted of residents of the Montese, Guamá and Condor neighborhoods. People aged 18 to 49 years were included. This variable was treated as dichotomous (reagent and non-reagent). The selected response event was 'reagent result'. The independent variables were the social factors and access to health services. To identify associated factors with the presence of markers of the bacteria studied, multiple logistic rules were performed. RESULTS: 178 people participated in the study; the median age was 35.0 years. The prevalence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies against T. pallidum was 7 % (13). In the final regression model, it was observed that participants who had sexual intercourse after using alcohol and drugs and those who did not know about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections were five times more likely to have tested positive for T. pallidum. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of individual vulnerability and access to health services must be managed to reduce the exposure of poor urban populations to T. pallidum.

Factors associated with signs of congenital syphilis in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors (maternal, obstetric and demographic) associated with congenital syphilis and the clinical characteristics of the newborns. METHOD: A cross-sectional study carried out in ten public maternity hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil that included cases of live births reported with congenital syphilis in 2015. RESULTS: 469 cases were analyzed; 199 (42.4 %) showed some sign or symptom suggestive of congenital syphilis; of these, 65 (32.7 %) were preterm, 87 (43.7 %) had low birth weight, 116 (58.3 %) had jaundice that required phototherapy, 13 (6.5 %) had hepatomegaly, 10 (5 %) had skin lesions, eight (4.0 %) had splenomegaly and one (0.5 %) had limb pseudoparalysis. Records of other clinical changes were identified in 36 (7.7 %) children. Children whose mothers were not treated or who received a drug other than penicillin and those whose mothers had a VDRL titer ≥ 1:16 at birth were 3.7 and 3.2 times more likely to be born with signs of congenital syphilis (p < 0.001- 95 % CI 2.41-5.58; p < 0.001 - 95 % CI 2.41-5.58) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study draw attention to the importance of improving the quality of prenatal care and the development of studies aimed at finding alternative drugs for the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and the prevention of congenital syphilis.

Estimation of the Incidence of Congenital Syphilis in Mexico Between 2019 and 2023.

Introduction Congenital Syphilis (CS) is considered the second leading cause of preventable death in developing countries. The last report of the incidence rate of CS was made in 2017. Objective The objective of the study was to estimate the incidence of CS between 2019-2023. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study for which data were obtained from the new cases of CS reported in the Epidemiological Bulletin for 2019-2023 and from the newborn population records reported in the National Institute of Statistics and Geography and the National Population Council. Results In Mexico, the incidence rate of CS is 3.20 per 10,000 births. An increment of CS cases was observed between 2019-2023, with a higher number of cases in 2022. Conclusion A democratization of detection and prompt management is needed to reduce transmission, particularly among the most vulnerable population.

Missed opportunities for prevention of congenital syphilis.

BACKGROUND: The WHO presented the initiative: "Global elimination of congenital syphilis (CS): rationale and strategies for action". It establishes that CS is a preventable disease that can be eliminated. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportion of missed opportunities for prevention (MOP) of (CS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We studied women with children with confirmed diagnosis of CS (NOM-039-SSA2-2002) in the Mexican Social Security Institute in Jalisco from 01/01/2016 to 08/01/2022. The clinical records of the mother, the newborn and the epidemiological study (ES) were reviewed. Each case was classified into one of the MOP categories. RESULTS: 52 cases were reported: 46.2 % (n = 24) were ruled out, 34.6 % (n = 18) confirmed, 15.4 % (n = 8) unknown and 3.8 % (n = 2) probable cases. The HIV test was performed in 61.1 % (n = 11) and syphilis in 72.2 % (n = 13) of the mothers. The MOP in 27.8 % (n = 5) was inadequate treatment or omission of maternal treatment despite a timely diagnosis of syphilis. Treatment was inadequate in 63.6 % (n = 7) of the women who received it. CONCLUSION: The classification of MOP identifies gaps in CS prevention and can guide stakeholders, policy makers and public health prevention programs to reduce the incidence of CS.

ANTECEDENTES: La Organización Mundial de la Salud estableció que la sífilis congénita es una enfermedad prevenible que puede eliminarse. OBJETIVO: Estimar la proporción de oportunidades perdidas en la prevención (OPP) de la sífilis congénita. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se eligieron mujeres en cuyos hijos recién nacidos se identificó sífilis congénita entre 2016 y 2022. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de la madre, el recién nacido y el estudio epidemiológico. Cada caso se clasificó en una de las categorías de las OPP. RESULTADOS: Se notificaron 52 casos: 46.2 % (n = 24) fue descartado, 34.6 % (n = 18) confirmado, 15.4 % (n = 8) desconocido y 3.8 % (n = 2) probable. Las pruebas para identificar infección por VIH y sífilis se realizaron en 61.1 % (n = 11) y 72.2 % de las madres (n = 13). La OPP en 27.8 % (n = 5) consistió en el tratamiento inadecuado u omisión de tratamiento materno a pesar de diagnóstico oportuno de la sífilis. De quienes recibieron tratamiento, en 63.6 % fue inadecuado (n = 7). CONCLUSIÓN: La clasificación de OPP de sífilis congénita permite identificar brechas en la prevención y dirigir intervenciones de salud pública hacia las principales causas para reducir la incidencia.

Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR as ancillary tools in the diagnosis of acquired oral syphilis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate Treponema pallidum detection using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays in acquired oral syphilis (AOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of AOS (32 secondary and five primary) were analyzed, integrating double-positive serological results with clinicodemographic and histopathological data. T. pallidum presence was semiquantitatively assessed by IHC, while RT-PCR targeted T. pallidum DNA. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The study included mostly females (62.2%) with a mean age of 27.1 years. T. pallidum was detected in all samples by IHC, predominantly in the epithelium across all layers (43.2%). RT-PCR identified T. pallidum DNA in 32 cases, with negative results observed in cases of secondary AOS. The AUC for IHC versus disease stage was 62.5% (95% CI: 45.1-77.8), and for RT-PCR, it was 57.8% (95% CI: 40.5-73.8). The AUC comparing IHC to RT-PCR was 83.8% (95% CI: 67.9-93.8). CONCLUSION: This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the proposed direct detection algorithm for AOS. IHC and RT-PCR serve as ancillary tools for detecting T. pallidum in both primary and secondary stages of AOS.

Spatial and trend analysis of gestational syphilis cases in Brazil from 2011 to 2020: an ecological study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the rate of gestational syphilis (GS) based on temporal trends over 11 years, as well as the spatial distribution of GS in Brazil, based on the identification of spatial clusters. METHODOLOGY: An ecological, using Brazil and its regions as an analysis unit, based on gestational syphilis data reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2011 to 2020. Thematic maps were built for spatial data analysis, and the Prais-Winsten autoregressive model was used to verify the trend. Spatial analysis identified the distribution of clusters (high-high; low-low; high-low and low-high) of distribution of GS across Brazilian municipalities, using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Gestational syphilis experienced a considerable increase in cases during the studied period, with a peak of 37,436 cases in 2018. The spatial distribution of the disease is heterogeneous in the country. A growing trend was observed in all states of Brazil, except for Espírito Santo, where it remained stationary, with a monthly variation of 10.32%. CONCLUSION: The spatial and temporal trend analysis point to syphilis as an important public health problem. The numbers are alarming and show the urgent need for measures to prevent and control syphilis during pregnancy.

Rollet's mixed chancre in an adult woman diagnosed in the state of Amazonas, Brazil: A case report.

Rollet's Mixed Chancre is a clinical presentation of sexually transmitted infections (STI), involving the coexistence of Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum at the same site of infection. Here, we report a case of Rollet's Mixed Chancre in a 32-year-old Brazilian woman. On physical examination she presented with a unilateral bubo measuring approximately 5 × 3 centimeters in diameter, in association with an ulcerated lesion that evolved for 10 days at the inguinal region. She was successfully treated at a health unit with antibiotics. Rollet's Mixed Chancre, though uncommon, poses diagnostic challenges. This case highlights the importance of considering rare STI manifestations. Moreover, comprehensive STI screening and adherence to treatment guidelines are essential for effective management and prevention of further transmission.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of people living with HIV and ocular syphilis during the COVID-19 health emergency.

BACKGROUND: The global shift in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic led to challenges in the care of people living with HIV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study that aimed to delineate sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes, of people living with HIV diagnosed with ocular syphilis. RESULTS: Fifty-three people living with HIV were identified with ocular syphilis. Thirty-eight (71.6%) presented ocular symptoms. Twenty-three (43.3%) underwent lumbar puncture, 5 (9.4%) were positive for neurosyphilis. Forty-seven (88.6%) received treatment, 32 (68%) received standard treatment with aqueous crystalline penicillin G, and 15 (31.9%) were treated with alternative regimens due to the impossibility of hospitalization. Six (11.3%) individuals were lost to follow-up and/or did not receive treatment. Eighteen (56.2%) out of 32 individuals in the aqueous crystalline penicillin G group experienced serological response, 5 (15.6%) experienced treatment failure, and 9 (28.1%) were lost to follow-up. In the alternative therapy group, 12 out of 15 individuals (80%) experienced serological response. One (6.7%) experienced treatment failure, and 2 (13.3%) were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 health emergency in Mexico, alternative treatments for ocular syphilis demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes amid challenges in accessing hospitalization.

Gummatous neurosyphilisin an HIV-negative patient: Case report.

Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease, which dates back to the XV century and is caused by the spirochete treponema pallidum, capable of invading the central nervous system in any of its stages- Its incidence has increased in parallel to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the synergism between both pathologies is such. that it has become a public health problem in recent years. Here we present the case of a 31-year-old female patient, who consulted for headache associated with decreased visual acuity and provided an unenhanced head CT showing hypodense lesions in both thalamic regions, serological tests for syphilis were reactive and those for HIV were not reactive. The brain MRI with spectroscopy was reported in favor of cerebral toxoplasmosis, which was later ruled out with a study of cerebrospinal fluid. Management with penicillin G sodium IV for 6 weeks was indicated, achieving complete imaging resolution of her lesions.

Is syphilis infection a risk factor for cervicovaginal HPV occurrence? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted infections affecting women in the same risk group. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV in a population of women with and without syphilis and observe the characteristics of HPV cervical lesions when coinfection occurs. Sociodemographic factors associated with coinfection were also evaluated. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at a Brazilian HIV/STD testing and training center. Study groups were composed of women with (case) and without syphilis (control), paired by age. The presence of HPV, HPV subtype, and lesion severity were investigated. All women were subjected to a sociodemographic interview, clinical data collection, cell collection for cytopathological analysis, and a hybrid capture test for HPV diagnosis. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 176 women, 88 in each group. The prevalence of HPV was 14.8 % in the case (n = 13) and 18.1 % in the control group (n = 16), and there was no statistically significant difference between them. Illiterate individuals were more prevalent in the control group (p = 0.023). Considering women with suggestive signs of STIs, 30 % (6) of the patients and controls had high-risk HPV, and 15 % (3) had coinfection. The cytopathological assessment showed no differences between the groups concerning cellular atypia. However, ASC-US and ASC-H (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and high-grade) were only found in women with coinfections, with 75 % of these patients testing positive for high-risk HPV. Considering the distribution of lesions on the cervix, the HSIL (high-grade intraepithelial lesion) was assessed in high-risk HPV patients, both cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV was not increased in patients infected with syphilis. In addition, coinfection does not seem to be an aggravating factor for the presence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer.

[Palmoplantar dermatoses: Diagnostic approach in primary care]. / Dermatosis palmoplantares: aproximación diagnóstica en atención primaria.

This article addresses the diagnostic challenges of palmoplantar dermatoses (PPD) within the scope of Primary Health Care (PHC). These common skin conditions, encountered in daily practice, exhibit a diverse range of symptoms and morphologies, complicating their diagnosis. They are etiologically classified into infectious inflammatory, non-infectious inflammatory, and hereditary keratodermas. While various dermatoses may affect the palms and soles, few are specific to this area. Notable examples include palmoplantar pustulosis, dyshidrosis, erythema pernio, and Bazex syndrome. Given the high prevalence of dermatological consultations in PHC, this article underscores the significance of PHC professionals' knowledge regarding these conditions. It proposes a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate their management and timely referral.

Spatiotemporal Bayesian modeling of the risk of congenital syphilis in São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

The aim of this study is to analyze the spatiotemporal risk of congenital syphilis (CS) in high-prevalence areas in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, and to evaluate its relationship with socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental variables. An ecological study was conducted based on secondary CS data with spatiotemporal components collected from 310 areas between 2010 and 2016. The data were modeled in a Bayesian context using the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) method. Risk maps showed an increasing CS trend over time and highlighted the areas that presented the highest and lowest risk in each year. The model showed that the factors positively associated with a higher risk of CS were the Gini index and the proportion of women aged 18-24 years without education or with incomplete primary education, while the factors negatively associated were the proportion of women of childbearing age and the mean per capita income.

Prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV who attend a large urban antiretroviral therapy clinic in Panama: a cross-sectional epidemiological study.

Background: Syphilis is a serious global public health challenge. Despite prior progress in syphilis control, incidence has been increasing in recent years. Syphilis is a common coinfection among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Panama, few data describe syphilis prevalence among PLHIV. We describe syphilis antibody and high-titer (⩾1:8) active syphilis prevalence and associated factors among individuals who attended an antiretroviral clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during February-March 2022 and September-October 2022 for adults (⩾18 year) assigned male and female at birth, respectively. Participants provided peripheral blood samples and self-administered a questionnaire. Samples were screened using immunochromatography; antibody-positive samples were tested using rapid plasma regain to 1:512 dilutions. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with syphilis antibody and high-titer active syphilis. Results: In all, 378 participants gave blood samples; 377 individuals participated in the questionnaire (216 self-reported male sex [males], 158 female [females], and three intersex individuals). Median age was 36 years (interquartile range: 28-45 years). Overall, syphilis antibody prevalence was 32.3% (122/378) (males, 50.7% [108/2013]; females, 5.7% [9/158]; intersex individuals, 100.0% (3/3)], p < 0.01. High-titer active syphilis was found among 24.6% (n = 30) of samples with positive antibody test (males 27.8% [n = 30], females 0.0% [0/9], intersex individuals 0.0% [0/3]). Antibody positivity was associated in the multivariable model with males (50.7%, AOR = 24.6, 95%CI: 1.57-384.53). High-titer active syphilis was associated with younger participant age (18-30 years, 13.2%, OR = 4.82, 95%CI: 1.17-19.83); 31-40 years, 7.8%, OR = 4.24, 95%CI: 1.04-17.21 versus 3.2% >40 years), homosexual identity (16.0% OR = 34.2, 95%CI: 4.50-259.27 versus 0.6% among heterosexual identity); in the multivariable model, associated with sexual identity (bisexual 19.1%, AOR = 10.89, 95%CI: 1.00-119.06) compared to heterosexual identity (0.6%) and weakly associated with concurrency (⩾1 ongoing sexual relationships, 15.9%, AOR = 3.09, 95%CI: 0.94-10.14). Conclusion: This study found very high prevalence of syphilis antibodies and high-titer syphilis among PLHIV in Panama. Those most affected are males, younger in age, those who practice concurrent sexual relationships, and those who reported homosexual and bisexual identity. Targeted interventions should include repetitive testing and treatment, especially among individuals who may be at increased infection risk.

Prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV who attend a large antiretroviral therapy clinic, Panama, 2022 Syphilis is a significant health challenge worldwide. On a global scale, yearly syphilis incidence is increasing, including in Panama. However, there are no current data to explain syphilis prevalence and who is most affected among people living with HIV in Panama. In order to understand syphilis in Panama and create targeted interventions among specific groups of people, it is important to describe how many people are infected, and who is most affected by this infection. Therefore, we conducted a study among 378 people living with HIV at a treatment clinic in Panama City, Panama. Blood samples and demographic data were collected. In all, syphilis antibodies were found in 32.3% of individuals (50.7% of those who self-report as males, 5.7% as females, and 100% of those who self-report as intersex. Of those with positive antibody tests, 24.6% of individuals also had active syphilis. Only individuals who identify as male had active syphilis. Our findings show high syphilis prevalence among people with HIV in Panama City, particularly among males, those who are younger, those who report sexual identity as homosexual or bisexual, and those with ongoing sexual relationships with more than one individual. Targeted interventions are needed among people living with HIV, especially among the groups most affected. These interventions could include testing more often for syphilis and providing timely treatment, especially among individuals who may be at increased risk of infection.

Situacion de la sifilis congénita en Paraguay utilizando datos del sistema de informacion perinatal (sip plus)

Introducción : Se promueven iniciativas para mejorar la salud de las mujeres y niños siendo el denominador común disponer de un sistema de información con repercusión en la salud de esta población. En Paraguay el SIP PLUS es utilizado con diferente grado de cobertura en los servicios maternoinfantiles. Objetivo: analizar la calidad de los datos generados para la construcción de los indicadores de Eliminación de la Sífilis Congénita (SC). Metodología: Estudio nacionalmente representativo utilizando datos generados por el SIP PLUS. Resultados: 32.479 historias perinatales cargadas desde el 2018 a julio del 2021. La representación de la muestra 1,5% en 2018 al 23% en 2021. Mayores pérdidas de información en el 2020. Para las variables de contexto con menos pérdidas de información en comparación a las de prevención primaria, secundaria y salud reproductiva. La pérdida de datos para: porcentaje de mujeres embarazadas con cuidado prenatal (4 o más) en un promedio de 64,4%; porcentaje de mujeres embarazadas tamizadas 43,1 % en el 2020 y 33,4% en 2019; positividad de la prueba de sífilis 49% en el 2020. Lo que también se observa en el indicador de tratamiento. Se registraron 506 casos de SC. Tasa de SCx1000 nacidos vivos ( 10 x1000 nacidos vivos en los 4 años analizados. Edad adolescente (p: 0,040) como factor de riesgo para SC. Conclusiones: Pérdida de registros en lo referente a ETMI, por falta de carga de datos. Alta incidencia de SC en los años analizados. Adolescentes como factor de riesgo para SC.

Introduction: Initiatives are promoted to improve the health of women and children, the common denominator being having an information system with an impact on the health of this population. In Paraguay, the SIP PLUS is used with different degrees of coverage in maternal and child services. Objective: analyze the quality of the data generated for the construction of the indicators for the Elimination of Congenital Syphilis (CS). Methodology: Nationally representative study using data generated by the SIP PLUS. Results: 32,479 perinatal histories uploaded from 2018 to July 2021. The representation of the sample went from 1.5% in 2018 to 23% in 2021. Greater information losses in 2020. For the context variables with fewer information losses in comparison to those of primary, secondary prevention and reproductive health. Loss of data for: percentage of pregnant women with prenatal care (4 or more) averaged 64.4%; percentage of pregnant women screened 43.1% in 2020 and 33.4% in 2019; syphilis test positivity 49% in 2020. This is also observed in the treatment indicator. 506 cases of CS were recorded. Rate of SCx1000 live births  10 x1000 live births in the 4 years analyzed. Adolescent age (p: 0.040) as a risk factor for CS. Conclusions: Loss of records regarding ETMI, due to lack of data loading. High incidence of CS in the years analyzed. Adolescents as a risk factor for CS.

Seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum infection among high-risk populations from Brazil.

Syphilis is a significant public health concern worldwide. According to the 2020 estimates, nearly 7.1 million new cases of syphilis have been reported globally, with over 30 % of these cases reported from American nations, particularly Brazil. Concerns have been raised regarding the susceptibility of specific groups to syphilis due to challenges and vulnerabilities that place these groups at a higher risk of infections or complications in the treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the seroprevalence and the factors associated with syphilis among such high-risk groups. The study was designed as a cross-sectional one and was conducted with pregnant women, people living with HIV (PLHIV), people living with tuberculosis (PLTB), indigenous and healthy populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2019 and August 2022, during which the included patients were subjected to treponemal and non-treponemal serological assays. The study also included a survey conducted through a self-reported questionnaire to collect information regarding the participants' demographics and sexual behaviors. A total of 550 samples were collected, with 110 participants in each of the five groups. The results of the study revealed that the seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum infection in pregnant women, PLHIV, PLTB, indigenous and healthy populations of the study region was 10 % (n = 11/110), 41.81 % (n = 46/110), 17.27 % (n = 19/110), 5.45 % (n = 6/110), and 8.18 % (n = 9/110), respectively. Homosexual orientation (p = 0.04) and a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (p = 0.01) were associated with the seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection in PLHIV. However, no such associations were noted in the remaining four groups. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was observed to vary significantly among the different high-risk groups, which highlighted the persistent concern of syphilis, particularly among vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the significance of focused interventions and public health strategies customized to the specific requirements of each of the groups evaluated in the present study to decrease the number of cases of syphilis and thereby prevent future complications in patients with other serious infections.