Serological evidence for syphilis in different population groups in Rwanda

The prevalence of serological syphilis, based on qualitative VDRL slide test was studied in different population groups in Rwanda. A positive VDRL was found in 0.7% of female students of a social school, in 2.2% of male and female premarital consultants, in 3.2% of prenatal consultants, in 6.5% of soldiers, and in 27.9% of prostitutes. As the first groups were not exposed to venereal disease, VDRL reactivity due to biological false positive reaction or to yaws antecedents is estimated at 0.5 to 2%. Accordingly, VDRL reactivity due to syphilis is estimated at 1 to 2% in prenatal consultants, 5 to 6% in soldiers and 25 to 26% in prostitutes. It is concluded that syphilis is not yet an important public health problem except in certain promiscuous population groups in towns, as soldiers, migrant workers and prostitutes.