Resurgence of syphilis: a prospective study at an University Hospital, Nimes

Background. -Since 2000, the incidence of syphilis has increased in France. The study objective was to estimate the frequency of syphilis in Languedoc Roussillon region in Southern France. Method. -The prospective study was conducted between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2003 in different medical wards in a French University Hospital, Nimes. The diseased patients in this study answered to a questionnaire, providing epidemiological and socio-economic data, symptomatology and treatment-seeking behaviour. Blood specimens were tested for syphilis by the serological methods (TPHA, VDRL, FTA). Results. -In 6 months, serologic evidence of syphilis infection was found in 30 patients. Men were more than twice as likely as women to be infected with syphilis. Most men (64.7%) acquired the infection homosexually. Four women acquired infection during pregnancy. The mean age of study population was 46.3 years. 40.7% were married. Out of 27 cases, 70.4% cases had an associated sexually transmitted infection (HIV, hepatitis, herpes, and gonorrhoea). Conclusions. -These data confirm the increase of syphilis in south of France and underline the importance of a permanent monitoring of sexually transmitted infection in target populations to allow a timely diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, and to plan preventive strategies. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.