Syphilis in the HIV-infected patient: an update on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

After a decade of unprecedented declines, incidence of early-stage syphilis in the United States and Europe has increased significantly since 2000. These cases have occurred at disproportionately elevated rates among people infected with HIV. Speculation continues as to whether the clinical spectrum of syphilis is qualitatively different among those individuals who are HIV infected. Recent data suggest that individuals who are immune compromised because of HIV have a higher likelihood of developing neurosyphilis. Recommendations for treatment of syphilis remain the same for patients with and without HIV.