Syphilis in Slovenia--on the threshold of the European Union

The epidemiological situation of early syphilis (ES) in Slovenia is the subject matter of this report. After almost 25 years of decrease in Slovenia, ES is increasing again. The incidence of ES increased from 0.10 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1992 and 1993 to 1.82 in 1994 and 1.90 in 1995. In the years 1996-1998 there was a slight decrease at 1.25-1.45. The higher incidence of infections with ES is presumably the consequence of changed social conditions in the states of the former Eastern bloc and Yugoslavia, and of changing living conditions, and illegal prostitution in Slovenia. AIDS and HIV in Slovenia is still at an early stage and there is no apparent link into the same social groups as syphilis. The current epidemiological situation of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Slovenia and the conditions existing to the south and east of Slovenia warrant strict surveillance of STIs by the medical services.