Increased syphilis trend among patients in an AIDS information and prevention center

Objective A rebound of syphilis cases has recently been observed. This study describes the trend in syphilis infection among persons attending the AIDS information and prevention center of Valencia, Spain. Methods We performed a cohort study of all persons attended from 2000 to 2006. The calendar effect was assessed by a logistic regression model adjusted by sexual and sociodemographic variables. Results A total of 71% were heterosexuals (HT) and 19% were men who had sex with men (MSM). Among the 10,850 users of the center, the prevalence of syphilis was 0.7%. Among MSM, the prevalence of syphilis was 2.4% for the whole period and was 4.6% for 2006. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of infection was lower in persons with a university education (OR=0.10; 95%CI: 0.03-0.59) than in those without. The risk was higher in persons who took drugs (OR=5.49; 95%CI: 1.55-19.43) or who practiced prostitution (OR=6.83; 95%CI: 2.52-18.53). In 2006, the risk of having syphilis was greater (OR=5.05; 95%CI: 1.12-22.72).Conclusions Syphilis infection increased substantially among MSM. In this collective, the prevalence of infection is related to educational level, prostitution and the use of non-injected recreational drugs (AU)

Objetivo En los últimos años se ha observado un repunte en los casos de sífilis. Este estudio describe la evolución de la infección por sífilis entre las personas que asistieron a un centro de información y prevención del sida de Valencia, España. Métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohorte de todas las personas atendidas entre 2000 y 2006. El efecto calendario se evaluó mediante un modelo de regresión logística ajustando por variables sociodemográficas y sexuales. Resultados El 71% de los que acudieron al centro eran heterosexuales y el 19% eran hombres que tenían sexo con hombres (HSH). Entre los 10.850 individuos, la prevalencia de la sífilis fue del 0,7%. Entre los HSH, la prevalencia de la sífilis fue del 2,4% para todo el período y del 4,6% para 2006. El análisis multivariado mostró que el riesgo de infección fue menor en las personas que tenían estudios universitarios (OR=0,10, IC95%: 0,03-0,59) que entre los que no. El riesgo fue mayor entre las personas que consumieron drogas (OR=5,49, IC95%: 1,55-19,43) y entre los que practican la prostitución (OR=6,83, IC95%: 2,52-18,53). En 2006, el riesgo de tener sífilis fue mayor (OR=5,05, IC95%: 1,12-22,72).Conclusiones La infección por sífilis aumentó sustancialmente entre los HSH. En este grupo, la prevalencia de la infección está relacionada con el nivel educativo, la prostitución y el uso de drogas recreativas no inyectada (AU)

Increased syphilis trend among patients in an AIDS information and prevention center.

OBJECTIVE: A rebound of syphilis cases has recently been observed. This study describes the trend in syphilis infection among persons attending the AIDS information and prevention center of Valencia, Spain. METHODS: We performed a cohort study of all persons attended from 2000 to 2006. The calendar effect was assessed by a logistic regression model adjusted by sexual and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 71% were heterosexuals (HT) and 19% were men who had sex with men (MSM). Among the 10,850 users of the center, the prevalence of syphilis was 0.7%. Among MSM, the prevalence of syphilis was 2.4% for the whole period and was 4.6% for 2006. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of infection was lower in persons with a university education (OR=0.10; 95%CI: 0.03-0.59) than in those without. The risk was higher in persons who took drugs (OR=5.49; 95%CI: 1.55-19.43) or who practiced prostitution (OR=6.83; 95%CI: 2.52-18.53). In 2006, the risk of having syphilis was greater (OR=5.05; 95%CI: 1.12-22.72). CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis infection increased substantially among MSM. In this collective, the prevalence of infection is related to educational level, prostitution and the use of non-injected recreational drugs.