Maha Abdulameer Abbood Alshukr and Safa S Alwaash
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. This infection has been a significant public health concern throughout history, with its prevalence varying widely around the world. The aim of study is to investigate what is new in Syphilis Infection: Demographics, Treatment, and Serological Response.
Method: Cross-sectional research patients had no clinical signs or symptoms of syphilis but they diagnosed accidentally when screening blood tests done for them as pre blood donation test or pre marriage blood screening test. All patients take age/years, gender, any symptoms, serological test (TPHA, VDRL), HIV test, any previously partner infection, penicillin (2.4 million units of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G in 3 doses one week apart), doxycycline (100 mg every 12 hr. for 28 days), and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month intervals.
Results: This cross-sectional study included 99 syphilis patients (mean age: 37.5±10 years), predominantly male (74.7%) and asymptomatic (100%). Penicillin was the primary treatment (94.9%), with 10.1% showing positive VDRL serology after 12 months of follow-up. Significant gender differences were observed, with 100% of males achieving negative Post treat serology (12 M VDRL) compared to 60% of females. No significant association was found between age groups and Post treat serology (12 M VDRL).
Conclusion: This interesting cross-sectional research on syphilis demographics, treatment, and follow-up reveals: Monitoring therapy response requires VDRL follow-up. Doxycycline and penicillin treat syphilis. Successful therapy reduces VDRL serology. Males had greater serological cure rates than females. Age may not affect therapy response. Research is needed to identify causes and enhance prevention.
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