[Syphilis in the health sector of Calatayud (Zaragoza): descriptive study 2013-2017.]

Syphilis cases have increased in recent years; early detection and treatment are fundamental for the control of the disease. Our objective is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed of syphilis in the Health Sector of Calatayud from 2013 to 2017.

Retrospective observational descriptive study of patients diagnosed with syphilis in the Ernest Lluch Hospital (January 2013 - May 2017). Epidemiological and clinical variables were analyzed. The patient search was carried out through the Omega® software program of the Microbiology Service and for the statistical analysis, the Chi-square test was applied for one single proportion and to compare proportions, and the Fisher test through the Graphpad analysis program of 2x2 contingency tables. The level of statistical significance required in all cases was p<0.05.

72 patients with syphilis were diagnosed, 61% men (average age of 43) and 39% women (average age of 35). 51% were of foreign nationality (49% of men). 80% of the Spanish patients were men. Only one patient was HIV+ (1.38%), 11% suffered from hepatitis B and 3% suffered from hepatitis C. Latent and late forms of syphilis predominated (71%). 50% of women were pregnant (79% were foreigners, p<0.05). 21% of the patients were into a penitentiary center, all of them were men (53% were foreigners). No significant differences were observed in the number of cases, although in 2017 it can be inferred that there could be an increase in cases.

The syphilis is more frequent in young men of foreign nationality. Percentages of men and women of foreign origin with syphilis are very similar, while percentage of Spanish men syphilis patients, is much higher than women. Among pregnant women, the percentage of foreigners is higher (p<0.05). We do not detect higher risk of suffering syphilis in imprisoned individuals. Taking into account the profile of patients in our study area, and the benefit of the treatment, we consider valuing early detection of the disease, mainly in young men and pregnant women of foreign origin.