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.

Caracterización de pacientes con serología reactiva. Un estudio de cinco años

Introducción: El test del Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory es una prueba serológica, no treponémica, cuyo resultado reactivo es útil en el diagnóstico de sífilis. Sin embargo, no es específica, pues resulta reactiva debido a múltiples causas. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes que acudieron a consulta con serología reactiva, según variables de interés para el estudio. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, descriptivo y transversal en el Policlínico Docente Aquiles Espinoza Salgado, del municipio Las Tunas. El universo fue de 232 pacientes con serología reactiva durante el período de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2022. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, motivo de realización de la serología, orientación sexual, causas de test reactivo y criterios diagnósticos en casos de test reactivo debido a sífilis. La información obtenida se presentó en tablas y los resultados se mostraron en porcientos. Resultados: Predominaron los heterosexuales (93,5 %), el chequeo preoperatorio como motivo de realización del test (24,6 %), el sexo masculino (53 %), el grupo de edad entre 25 y 59 años (66,4 %) y la unificación de los tres criterios para el diagnóstico de sífilis (56,8 %). El 53,9 % de los test dieron sífilis. Conclusiones: Se caracterizaron algunas variables en pacientes con test reactivo, destacándose que en la mayoría de ellos la causa fue sífilis. El test se realizó, fundamentalmente, debido a causas no referidas a sífilis. De igual manera, el criterio diagnóstico prevaleciente para confirmar sífilis fue la unificación de los tres criterios.

Introduction: The Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory test is a nontreponemal serological test, whose reactive result is useful in the diagnosis of syphilis. However, it is not specific as it is reactive due to multiple causes. Objective: To characterize the patients who attended the consultation with reactive serology according to variables of interest for the study. Materials and methods: A clinical, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Teaching Policlinic Aquiles Espinoza Salgado in the municipality of Las Tunas, Cuba. The universe was 232 patients with reactive serology during the period from January 2018 to December 2022. The variables studied were: age, sex, reason for serology, sexual orientation, causes of reactive test and diagnostic criteria in cases of reactive test due to syphilis. The information obtained was presented in tables and the results were shown in percentages. Results: There was a predominance of heterosexuals (93,5%), preoperative check-up as the reason for performing the test (24,6%), male sex (53%), age group between 25 and 59 years (66,4%), and unification of the three criteria for the diagnosis of syphilis (56,8%). 53,9% of the tests showed syphilis. Conclusions: Some variables were characterized in patients with a reactive test, highlighting that in most of them the cause was syphilis. The test was performed mainly due to causes not related to syphilis. Likewise, the prevailing diagnostic criterion for confirming syphilis was the unification of the three criteria.

Sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis rapid diagnostic test in blood donors' samples.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) are useful to identify syphilis cases, particularly for hard-to-reach populations and if laboratory services are scarce. However, RDT performance may be suboptimal. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis RDT using well-characterized blood donors' samples. We categorized samples from 811 blood donors into five groups: 1 - Samples with reactive Chemiluminescence (QML), FTA-Abs, and VDRL; 2 - Samples with reactive QML and FTA-Abs, and nonreactive VDRL; 3 - Samples with reactive QML, and nonreactive for other markers (false-positives); 4 - Controls with nonreactive QML; and 5 - Samples reactive for HIV, with nonreactive QML. Sensitivity was tested in groups 1 (overall and according to VDRL titers) and 2; specificity was tested in groups 3‒5. The RDT had high specificity, even in samples reactive for HIV. The sensitivity was high (91.9%) in samples with reactive VDRL but varied between 75.0%‒100% according to VDRL titers. The overall sensitivity was lower (81.3%) in samples with reactive FTA-Abs and nonreactive VDRL. The RDT is a useful tool to detect active syphilis but may be more limited for cases with very early or remote infection, or those with prior treatment. When higher sensitivity is needed, additional strategies including recurrent testing or laboratory-based tests may be required.

High Incidence, Reinfections, and Active Syphilis in Populations Attending a Specialized HIV Clinic in Mexico, a Dynamic Cohort Study.

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, has reemerged in many vulnerable groups around the world. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of syphilis among people who attended a specialized HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011 to 2015. Databases from the laboratory were analyzed, and the following four groups were formed: people seeking HIV-1 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), people in prison (PPr), people living with HIV (PLWH), and patients from primary care clinics (others). The diagnosis of syphilis was made using the reverse algorithm; antibody titers were examined to determine the stage of infection. Baseline data were analyzed and, with follow-up information, a retrospective dynamic cohort was formed. Factors associated with the seroprevalence of syphilis and active syphilis were evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, risk factors for the incidence of syphilis were described. A total of 81,863 baseline individuals were analyzed. The seroprevalence of syphilis was 9.9% in the VCT group, 8.2% in the PPr group, 37.0% in the PLWH group, and 8.7% in the others group; the prevalence of active syphilis was 1.7-13.1%. A total of 11,124 people were followed up. The incidence (cases per 100 person-years) was 3.5 among the VCT group, 16.0 among the PLWH group, and < 0.1 among both the PPr and others groups, respectively; moreover, the frequency of reinfections was 11.1-24.4%. The high prevalence and incidence of syphilis, active syphilis, and reinfections among men, transgender people, individuals aged 20-39 years, and people with a history of HIV or hepatitis B suggest that it is critical to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures to stop the reemergence of syphilis. There are also new factors such as methamphetamine use, group sex, or contacting partners over the internet that are associated with syphilis. In addition, HIV preexposure prophylaxis could contribute to the increased incidence of syphilis by providing false security in the prevention of STIs, thereby increasing risky sexual behaviors.

Sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis rapid diagnostic test in blood donors' samples

Abstract Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) are useful to identify syphilis cases, particularly for hard-to-reach populations and if laboratory services are scarce. However, RDT performance may be suboptimal. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis RDT using well-characterized blood donors' samples. We categorized samples from 811 blood donors into five groups: 1 - Samples with reactive Chemiluminescence (QML), FTA-Abs, and VDRL; 2 - Samples with reactive QML and FTA-Abs, and nonreactive VDRL; 3 - Samples with reactive QML, and nonreactive for other markers (false-positives); 4 - Controls with nonreactive QML; and 5 - Samples reactive for HIV, with nonreactive QML. Sensitivity was tested in groups 1 (overall and according to VDRL titers) and 2; specificity was tested in groups 3‒5. The RDT had high specificity, even in samples reactive for HIV. The sensitivity was high (91.9%) in samples with reactive VDRL but varied between 75.0%‒100% according to VDRL titers. The overall sensitivity was lower (81.3%) in samples with reactive FTA-Abs and nonreactive VDRL. The RDT is a useful tool to detect active syphilis but may be more limited for cases with very early or remote infection, or those with prior treatment. When higher sensitivity is needed, additional strategies including recurrent testing or laboratory-based tests may be required.

Congenital syphilis confirmed by pcr as a result of treatment failure for syphilis in pregnancy. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a major public health problem, and early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent it. Penicillin G benzathine is the treatment of choice in pregnant women; however, it may fail to prevent fetal infection, as in the present case. Case presentation: Male newborn, son of an HIV negative mother with gestational syphilis (venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) 1:4 dilution, positive treponemal test) diagnosed at week 21 of gestation and treated with three doses of 2 400 000 IU of penicillin G benzathine. At delivery, the mother presented VDRL 1:1 dilution. The newborn was diagnosed with congenital syphilis due to VDRL 1:4 dilution, positive treponemal test, elevated aspartate aminotransferases, hypos-thenuria, proteinuria, hematuria, and leukocyturia that resolved after treatment with crystalline penicillin for 10 days. The molecular testing in blood showed a high treponemal load. The VDRL test at 3 months was non-reactive. Conclusions: Preventing congenital syphilis with the recommended treatment for gestational syphilis may fail. Moreover, diagnosing this condition in an asymptomatic newborn is difficult. Therefore, clinical and serological tests are recommended to confirm whether maternal treatment was effective in the fetus.

RESUMEN Introducción. La sífilis congénita es un importante problema de salud pública y para prevenirla es necesario diagnosticar y tratar la sífilis gestacional de forma temprana. En el presente caso la gestante recibió el tratamiento de elección (penicilina benzatínica), pero este no previno la infección fetal. Presentación del caso. Recién nacido masculino, hijo de una madre con serología negativa para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y positiva para sífilis gestacional diagnosticada en la semana 21 (prueba VDRL con dilución 1:4 y prueba treponémica rápida positiva) y tratada con tres dosis de 2 400 000 UI de penicilina benzatínica. En el parto, la madre presentó VDRL con dilución 1:1 y el recién nacido fue diagnosticado con sífilis congénita por presentar VDRL con dilución 1:4, prueba treponémica rápida positiva, niveles de aspartato aminotransferasa elevados, hipostenuria, proteinuria, hematuria y leucocituria, condiciones que se resolvieron luego de recibir tratamiento con penicilina cristalina durante 10 días. El estudio molecular en sangre realizado al momento del nacimiento evidenció una alta presencia de Treponema pallidum. La prueba VDRL a los 3 meses fue no reactiva. Conclusiones. Prevenir la sífilis congénita con el tratamiento recomendado para sífilis gestacional puede fallar, además, diagnosticar sífilis congénita en un recién nacido asintomático es difícil, por lo cual se recomienda hacer un seguimiento clínico y serológico para confirmar si el tratamiento materno fue efectivo en el feto.

The Clinical Characteristics and Serological Outcomes of Infants With Confirmed or Suspected Congenital Syphilis in Shanghai, China: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background: Congenital syphilis (CS) is the infection of an infant or fetus with Treponema pallidum. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of serology reversion in infants diagnosed with confirmed or suspected congenital syphilis (CS). Methods: Infants admitted to the neonatal department of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from 2013 to 2016 who met the case definition of CS or suspected CS were included in this study. Follow-up was performed in an outpatient clinic until reversion to non-reactivity of both toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) and Treponemal pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA). Follow-up data were collected until up to the end of 2019, when the last infant with CS reached 3 years of age. Results: In total, 682 infants were enrolled in this study, including 63 in the CS group and 619 in the suspected CS group. Forty-seven infants (74.6%) in the CS group had symptoms, and 57 (90.5%) had abnormal laboratory and/or long bone X-ray findings. By 6 months of age, TRUST results were negative in 53.3% of the infants with CS and in 100% of the infants with suspected CS. All the infants in the CS group returned to TRUST non-reactivity by 18 months of age. The TPPA results at 18 months of age showed that only 10.0% (3/30) of the patients in the CS group returned to non-reactivity, while a 99.6% (548/550) non-reactivity rate was observed in the suspected CS group. All the infants in the CS group returned to 19S-IgM-TPPA non-reactivity by 6 months of age. Conclusions: Although CS is an burdensome disease that may cause fetal and neonatal death, CS responds well to treatment when diagnosed and treated promptly, even when symptoms or lab/X-ray findings are present at birth.

Malignant Syphilis in a Female Patient: A Case Report and Mini-Review.

Malignant syphilis (MS) is a rare form of secondary syphilis with grotesque skin lesions, systemic manifestation and life-threatening complications. This article presents a case of MS in an immunocompetent 41-year-old female, who initially manifested with a generalized nonpruritic erythematous rash and systemic symptoms. She was mistreated for generalized impetigo and hepatitis attributed to chronic alcoholism. After partial recovery and a 3-month latent period, she developed infiltrated plaques with crusts on the trunk, head and neck; pharyngitis and laryngeal lesions; generalized lymphadenopathy and nonspecific systemic symptoms. Serologic tests confirmed syphilis, and cerebrospinal fluid analyses indicated the presence of anti-treponemal antibodies. Urine drug screening was positive for cannabinoids. The polymerase chain reaction from skin biopsy samples identified T. pallidum, confirmed with Warthin-Starry staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was uncharacteristic. Tertiary syphilis, neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis and otosyphilis were excluded. However, the patient was treated for neurosyphilis with benzylpenicillin (18 million IU intravenously daily, 14 days) and corticosteroids. No Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurred. Ten months after treatment, residual scars were visible, and 1 year later, she attempted suicide. Since MS can resemble other diseases, it should be suspected in a mentally ill patient with chronic drug abuse, systemic nonspecific manifestations and dermatological abnormalities, including the head and neck region.

Natural history of primary syphilis: clinical and serological aspects of chancre concurrent with Follmann's balanitis / Evolução natural dos aspectos clínicos e sorológicos de um caso de cancro duro concomitante com balanite de Follmann

Introduction: Primary syphilis is classically represented by a hard chancre, but other rare forms such as Follmann's balanitis are occasionally described. Objective: To show an iconography of the clinical presentations of the classic hard chancre and Follmann's balanitis, in parallel with the serological results in the course of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Descriptive case report of a patient of an outpatient clinic for sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary hospital in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Conclusion: Syphilis lesions acquire different clinical expressions according to the natural evolution of the disease. Recognizing these presentations, as well as knowing how to interpret the serological results, is essential for the diagnosis and adequate treatment of the infection.

Introdução: A sífilis primária é representada classicamente pelo cancro duro, porém outras formas raras, como a balanite de Follmann, são ocasionalmente descritas. Objetivo: Apresentar uma iconografia dos estágios evolutivos da lesão clássica de cancro duro e da balanite de Follmann em paralelismo com os resultados sorológicos no curso do diagnóstico e do tratamento. Métodos: Relato descritivo evolutivo de paciente atendido em ambulatório de atendimento de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis de hospital terciário da cidade de São Paulo (SP), Brasil. Conclusão: As lesões da sífilis adquirem expressões clínicas diversas conforme a evolução natural da doença. Reconhecer essas apresentações, bem como saber interpretar os resultados sorológicos, é fundamental para o diagnóstico e o tratamento adequado da infecção.

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of gestational syphilis in Cali, 2018 / [Características sociodemográficas y clínicas de la sífilis gestacional en Cali, 2018].

Introduction: Gestational syphilis is considered an event of public health interest given its impact on mother and child. In Colombia, despite having specific protocols for its notification, diagnosis, and management, there are still limitations in its control. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution of gestational syphilis in Cali, Colombia, in 2018. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 427 gestational syphilis cases reported to the Colombian national epidemiological surveillance system (Sivigila). For the statistical processing, we used the R program, version 3.5.3. We expressed qualitative variables as proportions and quantitative ones through central tendency and dispersion measures, and to establish the spatial distribution we used the Qgis program, version 3.0. Results: The prevalence of gestational syphilis was 17 cases per 1,000 live births (including stillbirths); 57.1% of patients belonged to the subsidized healthcare system and 16.6% had no health insurance; 90.4% of cases were diagnosed during pregnancy; 47.2% of the pregnant women received three doses of penicillin, yet only 57.6% of contacts were treated. Conclusions: The prevalence of gestational syphilis in Cali during 2018 exceeded the national rate with a higher frequency among women in socioeconomic vulnerability conditions consistent with the general spatial distribution. There was a lack of opportunity in the early detection and management of the infection both among pregnant women and their contacts, which hinders the control of the disease and reflects the inadequate application of the comprehensive maternal and perinatal health care route guidelines.

Introducción. La sífilis gestacional se considera de interés en salud pública por las repercusiones que tiene en la madre y el hijo. Pese a tener protocolos para su notificación, diagnóstico y manejo, en Colombia se siguen evidenciando limitaciones en su control. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de distribución espacial de las pacientes con sífilis gestacional en Cali, Colombia, en el 2018. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con 427 casos de sífilis gestacional reportados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila). Para el procesamiento estadístico, se utilizó el programa R, versión 3.5.3. Las variables cualitativas se presentan como proporciones y, las cuantitativas, mediante medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, Para la distribución espacial, se usó el programa Qgis 3.0. Resultados. La razón de sífilis gestacional fue de 17 casos por 1.000 vivos (incluidos los mortinatos). El 57,1 % de las pacientes pertenecía al régimen subsidiado de salud y el 16,6 % no estaba asegurado. El 90,4 % de los casos se diagnosticó durante el embarazo; el 47,2 % recibió tres dosis de penicilina y el 57,6 % de los contactos recibió tratamiento. Conclusiones. La tasa de sífilis gestacional en Cali en el 2018 fue superior a la nacional y la enfermedad se presentó con mayor frecuencia en mujeres gestantes en condición de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica, lo que coincidió con la distribución espacial en general. Se evidenció la falta de oportunidad en la detección temprana y el manejo de la infección tanto en las pacientes como en sus contactos, lo cual dificulta el control de la enfermedad y refleja la inadecuada aplicación de la ruta integral de atención en salud materno-perinatal.

Características sociodemográficas y clínicas de la sífilis gestacional en Cali, 2018 / Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of gestational syphilis in Cali, 2018

Resumen | Introducción. La sífilis gestacional se considera de interés en salud pública por las repercusiones que tiene en la madre y el hijo. Pese a tener protocolos para su notificación, diagnóstico y manejo, en Colombia se siguen evidenciando limitaciones en su control. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de distribución espacial de las pacientes con sífilis gestacional en Cali, Colombia, en el 2018. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con 427 casos de sífilis gestacional reportados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila). Para el procesamiento estadístico, se utilizó el programa R, versión 3.5.3. Las variables cualitativas se presentan como proporciones y, las cuantitativas, mediante medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, Para la distribución espacial, se usó el programa Qgis 3.0. Resultados. La razón de sífilis gestacional fue de 17 casos por 1.000 vivos (incluidos los mortinatos). El 57,1 % de las pacientes pertenecía al régimen subsidiado de salud y el 16,6 % no estaba asegurado. El 90,4 % de los casos se diagnosticó durante el embarazo; el 47,2% recibió tres dosis de penicilina y el 57,6 % de los contactos recibió tratamiento. Conclusiones. La tasa de sífilis gestacional en Cali en el 2018 fue superior a la nacional y la enfermedad se presentó con mayor frecuencia en mujeres gestantes en condición de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica, lo que coincidió con la distribución espacial en general. Se evidenció la falta de oportunidad en la detección temprana y el manejo de la infección tanto en las pacientes como en sus contactos, lo cual dificulta el control de la enfermedad y refleja la inadecuada aplicación de la ruta integral de atención en salud materno-perinatal.

Abstract | Introduction: Gestational syphilis is considered an event of public health interest given its impact on mother and child. In Colombia, despite having specific protocols for its notification, diagnosis, and management, there are still limitations in its control. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution of gestational syphilis in Cali, Colombia, in 2018. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 427 gestational syphilis cases reported to the Colombian national epidemiological surveillance system (Sivigila). For the statistical processing, we used the R program, version 3.5.3. We expressed qualitative variables as proportions and quantitative ones through central tendency and dispersion measures, and to establish the spatial distribution we used the Qgis program, version 3.0. Results: The prevalence of gestational syphilis was 17 cases per 1,000 live births (including stillbirths); 57.1% of patients belonged to the subsidized healthcare system and 16.6% had no health insurance; 90.4% of cases were diagnosed during pregnancy; 47.2% of the pregnant women received three doses of penicillin, yet only 57.6% of contacts were treated. Conclusions: The prevalence of gestational syphilis in Cali during 2018 exceeded the national rate with a higher frequency among women in socioeconomic vulnerability conditions consistent with the general spatial distribution. There was a lack of opportunity in the early detection and management of the infection both among pregnant women and their contacts, which hinders the control of the disease and reflects the inadequate application of the comprehensive maternal and perinatal health care route guidelines.

The resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women in southern Chile / Resurgencia de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas en una región del sur de Chile

ABSTRACT Background: National rates of HIV, gonorrhoeae and syphilis have increased in Chile in recent years, but it is not known if syphilis among pregnant women (PW) is also escalating. Aim: To explore syphilis rates among PW in a southern Chilean region and to describe clinical features of mothers and offspring. Patients and Methods: We selected PW with positive VDRL or T. pallidum micro-he-magglutination (MHA-TP) reactive tests, referred to a high-risk obstetrical pathology center between 2011 and 2019. Clinical information of mothers and their offspring was obtained from their medical records. Results: Syphilis rates among PW increased from 0.4 to 7.2 per 1,000 live births in the reference center from 2013 to 2019, along with a national and regional increase in both sexes. Twenty-nine cases of PW with syphilis were identified with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 23-32). Seventeen percent had a history of drug abuse, and 14% had previous sexually transmitted diseases. In seven cases (24%), the diagnosis occurred at delivery. Three percent of patients had a primary syphilis, 14% a secondary syphilis, 24% an early latent syphilis, and 59% a latent syphilis. All cases except one case were treated with benzathine penicillin G and the remaining with erythromycin due to allergy suspicion. Penicillin desensitization was required in two cases (7%). Treatment timing was inadequate in 10 cases (34.5%). Of 19 patients with available serological follow-up, 10 (53%) showed a significant decrease in VDRL titers (≥ 2 dilutions) and two cases had re-infection. Two patients (7%) had an abortion, two had congenital syphilis (7%), and six had premature births (21%), totaling 35% of adverse-pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women is happening in southern Chile and is associated to adverse-pregnancy outcomes.

Antecedentes: Las tasas nacionales de VIH, gonorrea y sífilis han aumentado en Chile en los últimos años, pero no se sabe si la sífilis en mujeres embarazadas (ME) también está aumentando. Objetivo: Explorar las tasas de sífilis en ME en una región del sur de Chile y describir las características clínicas de las madres y los hijos. Pacientes y Métodos: Se seleccionaron ME con un VDRL o test de microhemaglutinación para T. pallidum positivos, referidas aun centro de alto riesgo obstétrico entre 2011 y 2019. La información clínica de las madres y sus hijos fue obtenida de fichas clínicas. Resultados: Las tasas de sífilis en ME aumentaron de 0,4 a 7,2 por 1000 nacidos vivos en el hospital de referencia entre 2013 y 2019, en paralelo a un aumento nacional y regional en ambos sexos. Se identificaron 29 casos de mujeres embarazadas con sífilis con mediana de edad 28 años, rango intercuartílico 23-32. Diecisiete por ciento tenía historia de abuso de drogas y 14% tenía una enfermedad de transmisión sexual previa. En siete casos, el diagnóstico ocurrió en el momento del parto (24,1%). Los estadios abarcaron sífilis primaria (3%), sífilis secundaria (14%), sífilis latente temprana (24%) y sífilis latente (59%). Todos, menos un caso, fueron tratados con penicilina G benzatina y el caso restante con eritromicina por sospecha de alergia a la penicilina. Se requirieron protocolos de desensibilización a penicilina en dos casos (7%). El momento del tratamiento fue inadecuado en 10 casos (35%). De 19 pacientes con seguimiento serológico disponible, 10 (53%) mostraron una disminución significativa en los títulos de VDRL (≥ 2 diluciones) y dos casos tuvieron reinfección. Dos pacientes (7%) evolucionaron con aborto, dos con sífilis congénita (7%, una asociada a terapia con macrólidos) y seis con parto prematuro o bajo peso al nacer (21%), totalizando 35% de resultados adversos durante el embarazo. Conclusiones: El resurgimiento de la sífilis entre las mujeres embarazadas está ocurriendo en el sur de Chile y está asociado a resultados adversos del embarazo.

"Só sei que é uma doença": conhecimento de gestantes sobre sífilis / "I just know it's a disease": knowledge of pregnant women about syphilis / "Solo sé que es una enfermedad": conocimiento de embarazadas sobre sífilis

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento de mulheres que realizaram consultas de pré-natal em relação à sífilis e as orientações recebidas acerca da prevenção de sífilis gestacional. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, desenvolvida com oito gestantes, em uma unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), de um município de Fronteira Oeste, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, por meio da técnica de entrevista semiestruturada, no período de setembro a outubro de 2019. Os achados foram interpretados por meio da análise temática, emergindo duas categorias temáticas: Conhecimento sobre a sífilis e Orientações sobre a prevenção da sífilis na gestação. Resultados: As gestantes investigadas demonstraram conhecimento restrito sobre sífilis e sífilis gestacional. Relataram que as orientações no pré-natal são superficiais. Disseram que a transmissão da sífilis ocorre por via sexual e demonstraram surpresa quanto às complicações da doença para o bebê, evidenciando o desconhecimento sobre a sífilis congênita. Citaram o preservativo como método de prevenção, porém relataram não utilizar quando o parceiro é fixo. Demonstraram conhecimento restrito sobre a interpretação dos testes rápidos, não mencionando a realização do exame não treponêmico como método diagnóstico e confirmatório da doença. Conclusão: A lacuna identificada pelo conhecimento limitado das gestantes investigadas sobre a sífilis e a prevenção da sífilis gestacional pode ser suprida por meio da realização de atividades de educação em saúde, tendo o enfermeiro como agente promotor.

Objective: To analyze the knowledge of women who attended prenatal consultations concerning syphilis and the guidelines received about the prevention of gestational syphilis. Methods: It is qualitative and descriptive research, developed with eight pregnant women, in a unit of Primary Health Care (PHC), in a municipality of Fronteira Oeste, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using the semi-structured interview technique from September to October 2019. The findings were interpreted using thematic analysis, with two thematic categories emerging: Knowledge about syphilis and Guidelines on the prevention of syphilis in pregnancy. Results: The investigated pregnant women demonstrated restricted knowledge about syphilis and gestational syphilis. They reported that the guidelines for prenatal care are superficial. They said that the transmission of syphilis happens through sex and showed surprise about the complications of the disease for the baby, showing the lack of knowledge about congenital syphilis. They mentioned the condom as a prevention method but reported not using it when the partner is fixed. They demonstrated limited knowledge about the interpretation of rapid tests, not to mention the non-treponemal exam as a diagnostic and confirmatory method of the disease. Conclusion: The gap identified by the limited knowledge of pregnant women investigated about syphilis, and the prevention of gestational syphilis can be filled by carrying out health education activities, with the nurse as a promoter.

Objetivo: Analizar el conocimiento de mujeres que tuvieron el prenatal sobre la sífilis y las orientaciones recibidas sobre la prevención de la sífilis gestacional. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa y descriptiva desarrollada con ocho embarazadas de una unidad de Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) de un municipio de la Frontera Oeste, Río Grande de Sur, Brasil a través de la técnica de entrevista semiestructurada en el periodo entre septiembre y octubre de 2019. Se ha interpretado los hallazgos a través del análisis temático del cual se ha identificado dos categorías temáticas a continuación: Conocimiento de la sífilis y Orientaciones sobre la prevención de la sífilis durante el embarazo. Resultados: Las embarazadas investigadas han demostrado poco conocimiento de la sífilis y de la sífilis gestacional. Ellas han relatado que las orientaciones del prenatal son superficiales, que la transmisión de la sífilis se da por la vía sexual y han demostrado sorpresa sobre las complicaciones de la enfermedad para el bebé lo que evidencia la falta de conocimiento de la sífilis congénita. Ellas han citado el condón como el método de prevención, sin embargo, relataron no usarlo cuando tiene más tiempo con su compañero. Las participantes han demostrado poco conocimiento de la interpretación de las pruebas rápidas y no han mencionado la prueba no treponémica como el método diagnóstico y confirmatorio de la enfermedad. Conclusión: Se pude arreglar la laguna del conocimiento limitado de las embarazadas investigadas sobre la sífilis y la prevención de la sífilis gestacional a través de actividades de educación en salud con el enfermero como el agente promotor.

Effect of the coverage of rapid tests for syphilis in primary care on the syphilis in pregnancy in Brazil / Efeito da cobertura de testes rápidos na atenção básica sobre a sífilis em gestantes no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of rapid tests coverage in Primary Care on syphilis detection rate in pregnant women in Brazil, in municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. METHODS: The dependent variable was the syphilis detection rate in pregnant women between 2012 and 2018. As the main independent variables, the methods for measuring the coverage of rapid tests for syphilis in Primary Care were used and, as adjustment variables, some indicators of health services and socioeconomic. We opted for a linear regression model for panel data (panel data analysis), considering the municipality as the unit of analysis and the year as the time variable. RESULTS: From the results of the final model, we can infer that, for a given municipality, as the rate of rapid tests increases by one point for every thousand live births, the detection rate of syphilis in pregnant women increases by an average of 0.02 cases per thousand live births (p < 0.001). This value is adjusted for Family Health coverage, proportion of health facilities per inhabitant, per capita expenditure on health and the Human Development Index. CONCLUSIONS: There was a substantial improvement in the amount of rapid tests available, as well as a significant increase in the number of tests performed in pregnant women, which predicts an increase in syphilis rates in pregnant women. However, a worrying hypothesis is that the number of tests performed on pregnant women during the analyzed period may have been insufficient to detect the progress of the epidemic in this population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da cobertura de testes rápidos na Atenção Básica sobre a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes no Brasil, nos municípios com mais de 100 mil habitantes. MÉTODOS: A variável dependente foi a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes entre os anos de 2012 e 2018. Como variáveis independentes principais, foram utilizados os métodos de aferição da cobertura de testes rápidos para sífilis na Atenção Básica e, como variáveis de ajuste, alguns indicadores de serviços de saúde e socioeconômicos. Optou-se por um modelo de regressão linear para dados em painel (panel data analysis), considerando o município como unidade de análise e ano como variável de tempo. RESULTADOS: Pelos resultados do modelo final, pode-se inferir que, para um determinado município, à medida que a taxa de testes rápidos aumenta em um ponto para cada mil nascidos vivos, a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes aumenta em média 0,02 casos por mil nascidos vivos (p < 0,001). Esse valor está ajustado para cobertura de Saúde da Família, proporção de UBS por habitante, gastos per capita com saúde e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano. CONCLUSÕES: Houve uma melhora substancial na quantidade de testes rápidos disponíveis, bem como, o aumento significativo de realização desses testes em gestantes, o que prediz o aumento das taxas de sífilis em gestantes. Contudo, uma hipótese preocupante é que a quantidade de testes realizados em gestantes no período analisado pode ter sido insuficiente para detectar o avanço da epidemia nessa população.

Effect of benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone on the results of rapid plasma reagin circle card test/toluidine red unheated serum test in the treatment of early syphilis: a meta-analysis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy of benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone on the negative conversion rate of the rapid plasma reagin circle card test/toluidine red unheated serum test (RPR/TRUST) in the treatment of early syphilis.Methods:According to the search strategy, online databases (PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP) were searched for case-control studies on benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone in the treatment of early syphilis. The Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles, and the RevMan5.3 software to analyze the negative conversion rate of RPR/TRUST.Results:A total of 14 case-control studies were included, including 1 160 syphilis patients (585 in the combination treatment group and 575 in the benzathine penicillin alone group) . According to the meta-analysis, the negative conversion rate of serum RPR/TRUST was significantly higher in the combination treatment group than in the benzathine penicillin alone group ( OR=3.70, 95% CI[2.71, 5.06], P<0.001) . Subgroup analysis based on the follow-up duration, the negative conversion rate of serum RPR/TRUST was also significantly higher in the combination treatment group than in the benzathine penicillin alone group after 3-month ( OR=3.68, 95% CI [2.26, 5.98], P<0.001) , 6-month ( OR=3.11, 95% CI[2.26, 4.27], P<0.001) and 12-month treatment ( OR=4.35, 95% CI[2.81, 6.73], P<0.001) . Conclusion:Compared with benzathine penicillin, benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone can more effectively promote serum RPR/TRUST to turn negative in the treatment of early syphilis.

The correlation between the polymorphism of IL-10 promoter and the susceptibility of syphilis serum fixation / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the association of -592A/C and -1082A/G single nucleotide polymorphism in interleukin (IL)-10 gene with susceptibility to serofast in patients with syphilis.Methods:The SNPs of -592A/C and -1082A/g in the promoter region of IL-10 were detected by multiple single base extension (SNaP-shot) assay in 123 patients with syphilis(syphilis group), 118 patients with seronegative syphilis (seronegative syphilis group) and 120 healthy controls (healthy control group). The clinical characteristics, genotypes and allele frequencies of different subjects were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in age and gender between syphilis group, seronegative syphilis group and healthy control group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of sexual partners, initial rapid plasma reagin test for syphilis (RPR) titer, stage, and Jihai reaction between the syphilis group and seronegative syphilis group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the genotype and allele frequency of -592A/C and -1082A/G in the promoter region of IL-10 between the syphilis group, seronegative syphilis group and the control group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:There seems to be no evidence for association between -592A/C and -1082A/G single nucleotide polymorphism in IL-10 gene and susceptibility to serofast in patients with syphilis.

Aortitis sifilítica: a propósito de un caso del sur colombiano / Syphilitic aortitis: about a case in South Colombia

Resumen Se expone el caso de una paciente de 73 años procedente y residente de Florencia, Caquetá (Colombia), con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que ingresa a un hospital de alta complejidad por un cuadro clínico de 3 meses de evolución consistente en dolor torácico tipo opresivo en la región anterior izquierda del tórax, no irradiado, de intensidad 8/10. En el ecocardiograma se evidencia enfermedad calcificada de la válvula aórtica con estenosis aortica grave, insuficiencia aórtica, hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo e insuficiencia mitral leve. Dentro de los estudios prequirúrgicos presentó VDRL con 1:4 diluciones, se confirmó el diagnóstico con el resultado de la prueba treponémica y se descartaron otras enfermedades infecciosas. Se realizó remplazo valvular con bioprótesis y tubo valvular supracoronario. En la biopsia se confirmó la valvulitis crónica cicatricial con extensas calcificaciones. Posterior a la intervención quirúrgica se dio egreso por adecuada evolución clínica.

Abstract The case of a 73-year-old female patient obtained and resident of Florencia, Caquetá (Colombia), with a history of hypertension who is admitted to a highly complex hospital due to a 3-month clinical picture of constant evolution in pain is presented. Thoracic oppressive type in the anterior region of the left thorax, non-irradiated, of intensity 8/10. The echocardiogram shows calcified aortic valve disease with severe aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and mild grade mitral regurgitation. Within the pre-surgical studies, she presented VDRL with 1:4 dilutions and the diagnosis was confirmed with the result of the treponemal test and other infectious diseases were ruled out. Valvular replacement was performed with a bioprosthesis plus a supra-coronary valvular tube. In the biopsy, chronic scar valvulitis with extensive calcifications was confirmed. After the surgical intervention, discharge was performed due to adequate clinical evolution.