The Changing Epidemiology of Syphilis

years after the launching of the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis in the United States, rates of primary and secondary syphilis increased slightly in 2001.1 New epidemics involving men who have sex with men (MSM) have since been detected in most major US cities. If we could identify the persons who are most likely to acquire the next syphilis infections and why, we might be able to reach them early and prevent acquisition or reach them soon after they are infected and treat them before they transmit to others. This requires identifying characteristics of persons acquiring infection, how they are meeting partners, and how they are transmitting infection. When this information is known, we can warn the population at risk so they can take precautions to avoid infection or perhaps recognize an infection when they get it. We can also more effectively target screening campaigns and alert health care work