Features of Incidence and Clinical Manifestations of Syphilis in MSM Group: A Clinical Case of Multiple Chancres in an HIV-Positive Patient

Abstract

Introduction. Worldwide, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a significant negative effect on sexual and reproductive health. There are more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be sexually transmitted. STIs increase the risk of HIV transmission. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can have more complex clinical manifestations in HIV-infected patients, especially in men who have sex with men. The purpose of the study. To review the rates of syphilis, including among MSM, in some developed countries; to demonstrate a clinical case of multiple chancres in an MSM patient with syphilis and HIV infection. Materials and methods. The study reviewed domestic and foreign sources on the spread of syphilis among MSM: electronic atlases of STIs from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), statistical publications of the Russian Ministry of Health; a case study of an MSM patient with multiple chancres and HIV infection was presented. Results. In the European Union (EU) and the United States, the incidence of syphilis is on the rise in 2020, while in Russia, on the contrary, it is on the decline, but the incidence rates remain high. Discussion. This paper compares the incidence of syphilis in different countries. Epidemiologic studies show that MSM can have a significant impact on the spread of STIs in the heterosexual community. An increase in STI cases can have a negative effect on the reproductive health of the general population. Conclusions. Syphilis in HIV-infected MSM represents a major public health challenge due to its high prevalence and incidence, increased risk of complications, and the problems encountered in its treatment and management. Effective prevention, early detection and treatment strategies are needed to address this problem.

For citation
Mohamed MH, Savchenko NV, Gurkovskaya EP, Sin AV. Features of incidence and clinical manifestations of syphilis in MSM group: a clinical case of multiple chancres in an HIV-positive patient. Bulletin of USMU. 2023;(3):74–81. (In Russ.). EDN: https://elibrary.ru/svjazz.