High prevalence of syphilis in Australia: test, treat and trace

Syphilis has re-emerged as a significant public health issue in Australia, with rapidly rising case numbers of infectious syphilis and a resurgence of congenital syphilis. Syphilis may be asymptomatic or present with various clinical manifestations in anogenital, oral or other parts of the body. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health complications and clinical vigilance is paramount for early diagnosis and treatment. Syphilis testing is recommended as part of sexual health check-ups and antenatal screening, and for people at increased risk of syphilis or from high-prevalence groups. As the incidence of syphilis is increasing in the general population, clinicians should maintain a low threshold for testing. Parenteral penicillin is the recommended treatment for all stages of syphilis. Syphilis is a notifiable condition and is reported by testing laboratories to local public health units. Contact tracing and treatment are essential to prevent re-infection and further transmission.