2016 STD Prevention Conference Highlights

 

This web page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being updated.
 

Syphilis

The 2016 STD Prevention Conference showcases the latest STD prevention research, both from the United States and abroad.

This page highlights four presentations and one scientific poster taking an in-depth look at the consequences of rising syphilis rates and measures that can help reduce the number of infections.

Poster or presentation images, as well as full abstracts and related links follow below.

Fast Facts

  • The syphilis case rate increased 22.7% in women from 2013-2014.
  • There were nearly 20,000 cases of syphilis in 2014 (compared to approximately 6,000 in 2001).
  • The rate of congenital syphilis increased 37% from 2012-2014.

Syphilis Abstracts

BRIDGING IN PHILADELPHIA – DEMOGRAPHICS OF MSMW AND THEIR NAMED FEMALE PARTNERS IN CONTACT WITH PUBLIC HEALTH STD SERVICES IN PHILADELPHIA, 2010-2014

Felicia M.T. Lewis, MD 1,2; Robbie Madera, MPH 2; Lenore Asbel, MD 2; Melinda E. Salmon 1,2

1Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2STD Control Program, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Background: Syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased dramatically, but a recent increase has also occurred in female Philadelphians, raising the question of sexual networks among MSM and heterosexual women. To explore this, we describe 1) MSM from the STD clinic who ever reported sex with women (MSMW), and 2) MSMW given partner services (PS) and their female partners.

Methods: Clinic data for MSM/MSMW and PS interview data on MSMW with HIV or any stage syphilis were examined. PS data were linked to field records of named female partners and risk profiles assessed.

Results: From 2010-15, 37,047 men visited clinic, 6195 (16.7%) of whom ever identified as MSM; of these, 1719 (27.8%) were MSMW. Compared to MSM, MSMW were likelier to be Black. Among MSMW, 65% reported vaginal and 47% receptive and/or insertive oral sex with a female in 2015. MSMW were significantly less likely than MSM to report anal receptive (50% vs 72%), oral insertive (71% vs 85%), or oral receptive sex (81% vs 90%) with males in 2015, but rates of anal insertive sex were similar. MSMW were more likely than MSM to have new partners, sex while drunk/high, and a past diagnosis of syphilis (OR 1.69, CI 1.34-2.14) or HIV (OR 1.42, CI 1.08-1.88). MSMW given PS were likelier to report intoxicated and/or transactional sex, and were likelier than MSW to have infectious syphilis (OR 2.14, CI 1.55-2.95).

Conclusions: MSMW comprise a substantial proportion of MSM in clinic, and most report recent sex with females. MSMW report less sexual activity than MSM, but have higher syphilis/HIV rates. Those given PS are likelier than MSW to have infectious syphilis and riskier sex. These data indicate possible routes of transmission to females and suggest that local syphilis epidemics in MSM and females may be related.

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