Outbreak of syphilis, but not of acute hepatitis C, among HIV-infected homosexual men in Madrid.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clustered cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, frequently accompanied by sexually transmitted diseases, have recently been reported among men who have sex with men (MSM) in several European cities. METHOD: We performed a retrospective record of cases of syphilis in a large cohort of HIV-infected individuals on regular follow-up in Madrid, Spain. HCV testing was carried out in all of them. RESULTS: A total of 53 diagnosis of syphilis were made during the previous 4 years (2002 to 2005) in 729 HIV-infected MSM on regular follow-up. However, in only 2 of them (3.7%) asymptomatic HCV seroconversion occurred at the time of the syphilis episode. Both patients developed chronic hepatitis C. CONCLUSION: Acute HCV infection should periodically be ruled out in all HIV-infected MSM engaged in sexual risky behaviors presenting with syphilis.