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.