New findings reported from University of Washington describe advances in HIV/AIDS co-infection
2009 JUL 13 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from the United States, "Syphilis incidence has increased dramatically in the United States since 2000, occurring primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM) and disproportionately affecting those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The continued increases in syphilis rates among MSM signals the need for enhanced prevention methods." "We undertook a study to examine the rate of repeat syphilis infection among MSM in San Francisco and to identify risk factors associated with syphilis reinfection that may inform additional prevention strategies. We developed a retrospective cohort of all cases of primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis among MSM diagnosed in San Francisco in 2001 and 2002. We evaluated data through the end of 2003 to determine all cases of syphilis reinfection, defined as a new infection that occurred within I year after prior syphilis infection and treatment. We found that 6.7% (42/624) of cases had a repeat syphilis infection within I year. HIV infection was associated with an increased risk of repeat infection (OR = 4.7; Cl, 1.8-12.0). No differences in age, race, number of period sex partners, illicit substance use, or partner meeting venues were observed between cases with and without repeat infection. Our study revealed that HIV-infected MSM with syphilis represent an at-risk group for repeat syphilis infection," wrote W. Phipps and colleagues, University of Washington. The researchers concluded: "Targeting increased screening and risk reduction interventions to HIV-infected MSM in care could reduce the overall incidence of syphilis among MSM." Phipps and colleagues published the results of their research in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Risk Factors for Repeat Syphilis in Men Who Have Sex With Men, San Francisco. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2009;36(6):331-335). For additional information, contact W. Phipps, University of Washington, Virology Research Center, Dept. of Medical, 600 Broadway, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98122, USA. The publisher of the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases can be contacted at: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: United States, Seattle, HIV/AIDS Co-Infection, AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Bacterial Infection, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Viral, Virology, University of Washington. This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, AIDS Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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