Trends and risk factors for syphilis infection in Piedmont Region, Italy, 2002-2008

Authors

  • Federica Vigna-Taglianti Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
  • Sergio Delmonte Dermatologic Clinic, San Lazzaro Hospital, Torino, Italy
  • Ivano Dal Conte STI Clinic, Infectious Disease Department, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL TO 2, Torino, Italy
  • Chiara Pasqualini Regional Centre for Infectious Diseases Surveillance (SeREMI), ASLAL, Alessandria, Italy
  • Piedmont STD Network Piedmont STD Network

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2427/5644

Keywords:

syphilis, surveillance, trends, epidemic, HIV, risk factors

Abstract

Background: This work aims to analyze trends of syphilis infections in the Piedmont Region (Italy) between
2002 and 2008, and to evaluate risk factors for infection.
Methods: Syphilis trends were described according to socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior,
condom use, number of partners and HIV infection. Independent risk factors for syphilis among men having
sex with men (MSM), men having sex with women (MSW), and women were identified through logistic
regression comparing cases with 12,773 negative patients.
Results: Between 2002 and 2008, 1,046 cases of syphilis were diagnosed, with peaks in 2004 and 2007. The
risk of a syphilis diagnosis was independently associated with being older than 24, having a low education
level, homosexual behavior, HIV self-reported infection (for MSM and MSW), number of partners (for MSW
and women) and non- consistent condom use (for women).
Conclusions: Recent outbreaks suggest that the attention to syphilis can’t be lowered. Screening, treatment
of cases and notification of partners should be reinforced and integrated with sexual health education and
counselling in high-risk environments. Surveillance data must be continuously collected.

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Published

2011-03-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Theme Papers