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Editorial: Syphilis infection: clinical, epidemiology, basic science, and behavioral research

Year: 2023

Type: editorial

Abstract: Topic Syphilis infection: clinical, epidemiology, basic science, and behavioral researchSyphilis is an ancient sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (T.pallidum).Over the past decade, syphilis incidence has increased in many countries.Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including blindness, neurocognitive disorders, cardiovascular injury, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Syphilis research is urgently needed to decrease morbidity and mortality.This Frontiers Research Topic focuses on diverse aspects of syphilis infection.Its purpose was to expand our knowledge of syphilis epidemiology, clinical management, public health control measures, vaccine development, and basic science.Estimates of the incidence trends and general impact on the healthcare system are essential for syphilis prevention strategies.Fu et al. estimated global syphilis incidence in partnerhisp with the Global Burden of Disease Group.They found substantial increases in syphilis among men and people in higher-income countries.SS ̌mit et al. estimated that the incidence of syphilis in Germany rose from 5/100,000 person-years to 6.2/100,000 persons over a three-year period, resulting in a minimal annual cost to the German healthcare system of €20,292,110.A study from Solaimalai et al. in Southern India found that syphilis prevalence increased from 0.5% in 2015 to 2.1% in 2020 among non-pregnant persons at a single site in southern India.These data highlight the need for additional public health interventions and strategies.Tucker et al. called for the application to syphilis of COVID-19 prevention and control strategies, including new diagnostic pathways (e.g., syphilis selftesting), contact tracing services, and public engagement.Routine anal self-examination may enhance syphilis detection and control, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM).Aung et al. conducted a longitudinal study examining adherence to weekly anal self-examinations among MSM and concluded that men adhered well to weekly anal self- Frontiers in Immunology frontiersin.org01

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1182069

Authors: Pingyu Zhou, Meiping Ye, Joseph D. Tucker, Lei Zhang, Justin David Radolf