[Resurgence of syphilis: a prospective study at an University Hospital, Nimes]

Since 2000, the incidence of syphilis has increased in France. The study objective was to estimate the frequency of syphilis in Languedoc Roussillon region in Southern France.

The prospective study was conducted between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2003 in different medical wards in a French University Hospital, Nimes. The diseased patients in this study answered to a questionnaire, providing epidemiological and socio-economic data, symptomatology and treatment-seeking behaviour. Blood specimens were tested for syphilis by the serological methods (TPHA, VDRL, FTA).

In 6 months, serologic evidence of syphilis infection was found in 30 patients. Men were more than twice as likely as women to be infected with syphilis. Most men (64.7%) acquired the infection homosexually. Four women acquired infection during pregnancy. The mean age of study population was 46.3 years. 40.7% were married. Out of 27 cases, 70.4% cases had an associated sexually transmitted infection (HIV, hepatitis, herpes, and gonorrhoea).

These data confirm the increase of syphilis in south of France and underline the importance of a permanent monitoring of sexually transmitted infection in target populations to allow a timely diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, and to plan preventive strategies.