Syphilis and HIV infection: an update

Although once on decline in the United States and Europe, the incidence of syphilis has been on the rise since 2000. This increase is noteworthy because there is a high coinfection rate with HIV, especially among men who have sex with men. In light of high coinfection rates, all HIV-infected patients should be tested for syphilis and vice versa. HIV can alter the clinical manifestations of syphilis and, in turn, syphilis has the potential to change the course and transmission of HIV. This article addresses variations in clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of individuals coinfected with HIV and syphilis.