Resurgence of Syphilis
The incidence of syphilis in the United States has gradually increased
over the last 20 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reported an increase in primary and secondary cases, from 5,973 in
2000 to 30,644 in 20175. This resurgence may result
from unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, MSM, the
popularity of online dating apps, intravenous drug use, and HIV
co-infection5. Accordingly, the CDC recommends
universal screening for syphilis in pregnancy. Testing protocols for
high-risk patients, including incarcerated populations, sex workers,
MSM, patients with HIV, and transgender/gender-diverse people have also
been developed6,7.