RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In Brazil, despite the increase in coverage and access to rapid testing for syphilis in primary health care, no reduction in cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis was observed. Poor and low-educated populations are disproportionately affected by infection caused by T. pallidum. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among people aged 18 to 49 years old in the city of Belém, brazilian amazon. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study carried out in a sanitary administrative district of a capital of the Brazilian Amazon, Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Data collection was conducted from August 2021 to February 2022. The participantes consisted of residents of the Montese, Guamá and Condor neighborhoods. People aged 18 to 49 years were included. This variable was treated as dichotomous (reagent and non-reagent). The selected response event was 'reagent result'. The independent variables were the social factors and access to health services. To identify associated factors with the presence of markers of the bacteria studied, multiple logistic rules were performed. RESULTS: 178 people participated in the study; the median age was 35.0 years. The prevalence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies against T. pallidum was 7 % (13). In the final regression model, it was observed that participants who had sexual intercourse after using alcohol and drugs and those who did not know about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections were five times more likely to have tested positive for T. pallidum. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of individual vulnerability and access to health services must be managed to reduce the exposure of poor urban populations to T. pallidum.
Asunto(s)
Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Población Urbana , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Prevalencia , Sífilis/epidemiología , Población Urbana/estadística & datos numéricos , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Factores de Riesgo , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Pobreza , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Inmunoglobulina G/sangreRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The infection caused by Treponema pallidum remains a severe public health problem, with a high prevalence in individuals over 60 years. However, research into infections such as syphilis continues to be neglected in geriatrics. This study aims to evaluate data on the detection rate of syphilis in Brazil, in individuals between 60 and 120 years, by characterizing the epidemiological profile and respective factors associated with it, in addition to performing a temporal trend analysis, from 2010 to 2020. METHODOLOGY: Ecological, time-series study, which started with the collection of notifications from the database of the Information System on Compulsory Notification of Diseases. The epidemiological profile was characterized based on sociodemographic variables. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, version 19.0, was used for incidence and prevalence analysis. The 2010 census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and projections for older people were considered. In the trend analysis, the Joinpoint regression model was used. MAIN FINDINGS: There was an upward variation in the detection of syphilis in older people from 2010 to 2018, with a peak in 2018. In 2019, there was a slight reduction in the notification of cases, which was accentuated in 2020. The prevalence of the infection was equivalent to 12.84 cases for each 100,000 Brazilians, with a mean age of 68.04 years (±7.15) for those between 60 and 120 years, being higher in white and black males. The highest proportion of older people with syphilis occurred in the South and Southeast regions. However, the trend analysis showed a significant and homogeneous increase in all regions of Brazil, for both sexes and all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is a tendency for an increase in cases of syphilis in older people, which reinforces the need to plan health actions to combat the disease in this population.
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Sífilis , Humanos , Sífilis/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Anciano , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Prevalencia , Incidencia , Treponema pallidumRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Venereal syphilis, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA), is surging worldwide, underscoring the need for a vaccine with global efficacy. Vaccine development requires an understanding of syphilis epidemiology and clinical presentation as well as genomic characterization of TPA strains circulating within at-risk populations. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, demographic, and molecular features of early syphilis cases in Cali, Colombia. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to identify individuals with early syphilis (ES) in Cali, Colombia through a city-wide network of public health centers, private sector HIV clinics and laboratory databases from public health institutions. Whole blood (WB), skin biopsies (SB), and genital and oral lesion swabs were obtained for measurement of treponemal burdens by polA quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Among 1,966 individuals screened, 128 participants met enrollment criteria: 112 (87%) with secondary (SS), 15 (12%) with primary (PS) and one with early latent syphilis; 66/128 (52%) self-reported as heterosexual, while 48 (38%) were men who have sex with men (MSM). Genital ulcer swabs had the highest polA copy numbers (67 copies/µl) by qPCR with a positivity rate (PR) of 73%, while SS lesions had 42 polA copies/µl with PR of 62%. WB polA positivity was more frequent in SS than PS (42% vs 7%, respectively; p = 0.009). Isolation of TPA from WB by rabbit infectivity testing (RIT) was achieved in 5 (56%) of 9 ES WB samples tested. WGS from 33 Cali patient samples, along with 10 other genomic sequences from South America (9 from Peru, 1 from Argentina) used as comparators, confirmed that SS14 was the predominant clade, and that half of all samples had mutations associated with macrolide (i.e., azithromycin) resistance. Variability in the outer membrane protein (OMP) and vaccine candidate BamA (TP0326) was mapped onto the protein's predicted structure from AlphaFold. Despite the presence of mutations in several extracellular loops (ECLs), ECL4, an immunodominant loop and proven opsonic target, was highly conserved in this group of Colombian and South American TPA isolates. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers new insights into the sociodemographic and clinical features of venereal syphilis in a highly endemic area of Colombia and illustrates how genomic sequencing of regionally prevalent TPA strains can inform vaccine development.
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Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Treponema pallidum/genética , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Colombia/epidemiología , Sífilis/epidemiología , Sífilis/microbiología , Estudios Transversales , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Vacunas Bacterianas/inmunología , Variación Genética , Desarrollo de Vacunas , Adulto Joven , Persona de Mediana Edad , Secuenciación Completa del Genoma , AnimalesRESUMEN
Introduction: Transplacental infections are frequent, especially in developing countries, where limited screening is performed to find infectious agents in the pregnant population. We aim to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and seroinfection of antibodies against Toxoplasma, parvovirus B19, T. pallidum, and HIV in pregnant women who attended the Motupe Health Center in Lambayeque, Peru during July-August 2018. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 179 pregnant women interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. ELISA was used to determine antibodies to Toxoplasma and parvovirus B19. The detection of syphilis and HIV was conducted using immunochromatography, while the detection of hepatitis B was conducted using FTA-ABS and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results: Of 179 pregnant women, syphilis and HIV infections routinely included in the screening of pregnant women presented a seroinfection of 2.2 and 0.6%, respectively. Toxoplasmosis seroinfection was 25.1%, while IgM antiparvovirus B19 was 40.8%, revealing that pregnant women had an active infection at the time of study. Conclusion: The level of seroinfection of toxoplasmosis reveals the risk to which pregnant women who participated in the study are exposed. The high seroinfection of parvovirus B19 could explain the cases of spontaneous abortion and levels of anemia in newborn that have been reported in Motupe, Lambayeque, Peru. However, future causality studies are necessary to determine the significance of these findings.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH , Parvovirus B19 Humano , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Sífilis , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Perú/epidemiología , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Sífilis/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Adulto Joven , Parvovirus B19 Humano/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Adolescente , Estudios SeroepidemiológicosRESUMEN
Este artigo se baseia em um estudo feito com o objetivo de analisar indicadores sobre a testagem da sífilis na gestação no Programa de Qualificação das Ações de Vigilância em Saúde (PQAVS) e no Programa Previne Brasil no estado da Paraíba, e também de levantar aspectos do tratamento terapêutico para sífilis gestacional. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva-exploratória, na qual foram sistematizados dados do indicador 11, testes por gestantes, do PQAVS e do indicador de desempenho da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), com base na proporção de gestantes que realizaram exames de sífilis e HIV durante o pré-natal em 2020; também foi feita a sistematização do webquestionário direcionado a profissionais da APS (médicos/enfermeiros) e autoaplicado sobre a atuação e tratamento terapêutico para sífilis gestacional. Dos 223 municípios da Paraíba, apenas 12% atingiram a meta do PQAVS e 39% a do Previne Brasil em 2020. Em relação ao webquestionário, houve a participação de 142 profissionais, dos quais 85% realizam o tratamento terapêutico preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde para a APS. Desse modo, deve ser ressaltada a importância da ampliação da oferta de testes para sífilis, dos insumos para o tratamento adequado e da qualificação dos profissionais e da informação em saúde.
This article is based on a study to analyze indicators on syphilis testing during pregnancy in the PQAVS - Programa de Qualificação das Ações de Vigilância em Saúde (Health Surveillance Actions Qualification Programme) and in the Programa Previne Brasil (Previne Brasil Programme) in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and also to survey aspects of the therapeutic management for gestational syphilis. It is a descriptive-exploratory research, in which data from indicator 11, tests for pregnant women, from the PQAVS and from the Primary Health Care (PHC) performance indicator, based on the proportion of pregnant women with syphilis and HIV tests during prenatal care in 2020 were systematised; in addition to this systematization, a self-administered webquestionnaire on the performance and therapeutic management for gestational syphilis by professionals (doctors/nurses) from the PHC was also systematised. Taking into account the 223 municipalities in Paraíba, only 12% reached the PQAVS goal and 39% reached the Previne Brasil goal in 2020. Regarding the webquestionnaire, 85% of the 142 professionals who answered it, carry out the therapeutic management recommended by the Ministry of Health for the PHC. Thus, it is fundamental to emphasise the importance of expanding the supply of tests for syphilis, supplies for adequate treatment, and the qualification of health professionals and information.
El presente artículo se basa en un estudio efectuado con el objetivo de analizar indicadores sobre la prueba de sífilis durante el embarazo en el PQAVS - Programa de Qualificação das Ações de Vigilância em Saúde (Programa de Calificación para Acciones de Vigilancia en Salud) y en el Programa Previne Brasil en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil, y de resaltar aspectos del tratamiento terapéutico de la sífilis gestacional. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva-exploratoria, en la que se sistematizaron datos del indicador 11, pruebas realizadas por embarazadas, del PQAVS y del indicador de desempeño de la Atención Primaria de Salud (APS), a partir de la proporción de gestantes que se sometieron a pruebas de sífilis y de HIV durante la atención prenatal en 2020; también se sistematizóel cuestionario web dirigido a profesionales de la APS (médicos/enfermeros) y autoadministrado sobre el desempeño y el tratamiento terapéutico de la sífilis gestacional. De los 223 municipios de Paraíba, apenas 12% alcanzaron la meta del PQAVS y 39% lograron la meta del Previne Brasil en 2020. En relación al cuestionario web, participaron 142 profesionales, de los cuales 85% realizan el tratamiento terapéutico recomendado por el Ministerio de Salud para la APS. Así, es fundamental la importancia de ampliar la oferta de pruebas para la sífilis, de los medicamentos para el tratamiento adecuado, la calificación de los profesionales e la información relacionada a la salud.
Asunto(s)
Atención Prenatal , Atención Primaria de Salud , Sífilis Congénita , Treponema pallidum , Sífilis , Embarazo de Alto Riesgo , Prevención de Enfermedades , Salud Materna , Diagnóstico Prenatal , Planes y Programas de Salud , VIH , Colaboración IntersectorialRESUMEN
Syphilis remains a significant public health concern, with serological assays being the primary method for diagnosis. However, molecular techniques have proven to be reliable tools for the diagnosis and understanding of the transmission dynamics of Treponema pallidum infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of syphilis treatment using molecular assays, perform Enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) typing, and analyze resistance (macrolide and doxycycline) in the T. pallidum isolate. PCR assay amplified treponemal DNA only from the lesion sample, whereas qPCR was able to amplify DNA in both lesion and blood samples before treatment. Throughout the treatment follow-up, qPCR effectively did not identify treponemal DNA in the blood for up to one to two weeks after treatment. ECDC typing revealed the genotype 14 e/g in the Brazilian T. pallidum isolate, and the presence of the A2058G mutation in 23 S rRNA gene, indicating macrolide resistance. Although, the G1058C mutation in 16 S rRNA gene was not detected. Notably, qPCR demonstrated its potential for diagnosing T. pallidum in blood samples, even when the treponemal DNA levels were low, enabling more accurate and sensitive diagnosis and guiding better syphilis therapy. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first identification of subtype 14 e/g and azithromycin resistance in a Brazilian T. pallidum isolate.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos , Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Treponema pallidum/genética , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Treponema pallidum/clasificación , Treponema pallidum/efectos de los fármacos , Sífilis/microbiología , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Sífilis/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Brasil , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Genotipo , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Masculino , Macrólidos/farmacología , Tipificación Molecular/métodos , Doxiciclina/uso terapéutico , Adulto , ARN Ribosómico 23S/genética , Estudios de SeguimientoRESUMEN
Indigenous communities in Brazil have a complex epidemiological profile, which increases their chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. However, limited data is available on Treponema pallidum infections in this population. We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. pallidum infection in an indigenous population of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. Blood samples were collected from September 2017 to March 2020, and the participants were interviewed to obtain comprehensive data on demography and sexual behavior. Serological tests were performed to detect T. pallidum infection. Besides conducting descriptive analysis, we performed Chi-squared tests and determined the bivariate odds ratio. The data were also analyzed using logistic regression. Among the 2190 invited individuals, 1927 (88%) were included in this study. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was 2.91%. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that individuals who were 30-39 years old, with up to 4 years of school education, living in households without piped water, with a history of genital lesions, multiple sexual partners, and having a history of STIs had the highest seroprevalence of T. pallidum. This study showed that behavioral, social, and economic factors play an important role in the transmission of T. pallidum within the indigenous population. Thus, targeted intervention, including imparting education in the native language, mass testing initiatives, and implementing public policies to improve socioeconomic indicators, is needed to reduce the cases of syphilis in this community.
Asunto(s)
Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Sífilis/epidemiología , Sífilis/sangre , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Estudios Transversales , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Adulto Joven , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adolescente , Factores de Riesgo , Pueblos Indígenas , Conducta SexualRESUMEN
Syphilis remains a public health concern in Brazil, and the data on the characterization and resistance of Treponema pallidum in Brazil is limited. The present study aimed to detect Treponema DNA in the lesions and blood samples obtained from individuals diagnosed with syphilis. The Brazilian isolates were submitted to the Enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) scheme and also analyzed for resistance gene. Treponemal DNA from 18 lesions and 18 blood specimens were submitted for amplification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Polymerase Chain Reaction in Real Time (RT-PCR). Eight samples from lesions and eight from blood were positive in the RT-PCR analysis. Eight lesions and three blood samples were positive using PCR. Two samples exhibited azithromycin resistance. The Brazilian isolate types 14d/g, 14 d/c, 15d/c, and 15d/e were identified using the ECDC scheme. The three subtypes 14d/c, 15d/c, and 15d/e have been identified in Brazil for the first time.
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ADN Bacteriano , Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Treponema pallidum/genética , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Treponema pallidum/clasificación , Brasil , Sífilis/microbiología , Sífilis/diagnóstico , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , Masculino , Genotipo , Femenino , Adulto , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Persona de Mediana Edad , Azitromicina/farmacología , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la PolimerasaRESUMEN
Syphilis is a significant public health concern worldwide. According to the 2020 estimates, nearly 7.1 million new cases of syphilis have been reported globally, with over 30 % of these cases reported from American nations, particularly Brazil. Concerns have been raised regarding the susceptibility of specific groups to syphilis due to challenges and vulnerabilities that place these groups at a higher risk of infections or complications in the treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the seroprevalence and the factors associated with syphilis among such high-risk groups. The study was designed as a cross-sectional one and was conducted with pregnant women, people living with HIV (PLHIV), people living with tuberculosis (PLTB), indigenous and healthy populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2019 and August 2022, during which the included patients were subjected to treponemal and non-treponemal serological assays. The study also included a survey conducted through a self-reported questionnaire to collect information regarding the participants' demographics and sexual behaviors. A total of 550 samples were collected, with 110 participants in each of the five groups. The results of the study revealed that the seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum infection in pregnant women, PLHIV, PLTB, indigenous and healthy populations of the study region was 10 % (n = 11/110), 41.81 % (n = 46/110), 17.27 % (n = 19/110), 5.45 % (n = 6/110), and 8.18 % (n = 9/110), respectively. Homosexual orientation (p = 0.04) and a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (p = 0.01) were associated with the seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection in PLHIV. However, no such associations were noted in the remaining four groups. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was observed to vary significantly among the different high-risk groups, which highlighted the persistent concern of syphilis, particularly among vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the significance of focused interventions and public health strategies customized to the specific requirements of each of the groups evaluated in the present study to decrease the number of cases of syphilis and thereby prevent future complications in patients with other serious infections.
Asunto(s)
Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Sífilis/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Femenino , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Masculino , Embarazo , Adulto Joven , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Adolescente , Factores de Riesgo , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Conducta SexualRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis (CS) has severe adverse outcomes, including abortion and death. Diagnosis of CS in asymptomatic newborns remains difficult. This study aims to evaluate an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples (BS) to identify T. pallidum DNA in newborns. METHODOLOGY: We performed an exploratory cross-sectional study that included newborns exposed to syphilis during pregnancy (SEG) and non-exposed (SNEG) newborns, between 2019 and 2020. In-house conventional PCR for T. pallidum targeting the tpp47 gene was used to analyze CSFS and dried blood spots. RESULTS: BS was obtained from 54 newborns (33 SEG/21 SNEG) and CSF from 55 newborns (33 SEG/22 SNEG). Twenty-five (71.4%) SEG newborns had reactive BS rapid plasmatic reagins (RPR), and all of them had RPR titers less than or equal to the corresponding maternal titers. All RPR CSF tests were negative. PCR for T. pallidum DNA was positive in 19/33 (57.6%) BS, and in 22/33 CSF. The only SEG newborn with clinical signs of early CS had a positive CSF PCR and a negative BS PCR. Conversely, among SNEG newborns, PCR was positive in 2/21 BS and 5/22 (22.7%) CSF. CONCLUSIONS: T. pallidum DNA was identified using our PCR tests. The exposed group did not present abnormalities that would indicate CS. This prevented conclusions regarding sensitivity and specificity. Dried spot permitted bedside collection, easy transportation, and storage. Further research is needed to evaluate and improve the accuracy of CS low-cost PCR tests, especially for limited resource settings.
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Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Sífilis Congénita , Sífilis , Embarazo , Femenino , Recién Nacido , Humanos , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Treponema pallidum/genética , Estudios Transversales , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Sífilis Congénita/diagnósticoRESUMEN
There are a variety of nontreponemal test (NTT) and treponemal test (TT) kits for the serologic diagnosis of syphilis. Because of the complexity of the infection (multiple clinical stages) and the different antigens used in these kits, a systematic evaluation of the accuracy of the currently available commercial tests is warranted. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of commercially available tests for the diagnosis of syphilis infection. In this study, we analyzed one NTT (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test, Wiener Laboratories, Rosario, Argentina) and two TTs (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption [FTA-ABS] test, Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany, and syphilis recombinant ELISA v. 4.0 test [ELISA], Wiener Laboratories, Rosario, Argentina) using a panel of 187 samples, including serum samples from 31 individuals with primary syphilis, 77 with secondary syphilis, and 79 with latent syphilis. An additional 192 samples from uninfected individuals and 323 serum samples from individuals with other diseases were included. The sensitivities of the VDRL, ELISA, and FTA-ABS tests were 97.9%, 100%, and 96.3%, respectively. The VDRL and ELISA tests showed a specificity of 100%, and the FTA-ABS test showed a specificity of 99.5%. Accuracy was 98.9% for the VDRL test, 100% for the ELISA, and 97.9% for the FTA-ABS test. For primary, secondary, and latent syphilis, the ELISA achieved a diagnostic performance of 100%, whereas the sensitivity for the VDRL and FTA-ABS tests ranged from 96.8% to 98.7% and 93.7% to 98.7%, respectively. No difference was observed when the tests were used as traditional or reverse algorithms. In general, all three tests are able to discriminate positive and negative samples for syphilis, regardless of the diagnostic algorithm.
Asunto(s)
Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Serodiagnóstico de la Sífilis , Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Sífilis/sangre , Serodiagnóstico de la Sífilis/métodos , Serodiagnóstico de la Sífilis/normas , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/métodos , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Masculino , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Juego de Reactivos para Diagnóstico/normas , Femenino , Prueba de Absorción de Anticuerpos Fluorescentes de Treponema , AdultoRESUMEN
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease identified as a global health problem. Its gastric, esophageal and/or intestinal involvement occurs in around 1% of cases. The descriptions of endoscopic lesions and histopathological biopsies are similar to other more prevalent diseases, such as mucosal infiltrative tumors, lymphomas related to Helicobacter pylori infection, Crohn's disease and adenocarcinomas. Objective: To report the case of an adult male patient with imaging tests mimicking gastric neoplasia, which were, in fact, lesions suspected of syphilis, its resolution and management. Case report: A 39-year-old man sought care because of severe epigastric pain related to the postprandial period and prolonged fasting, without improvement with medication. He reported weight loss and episodes of dark-colored vomiting. On physical examination, pain on deep palpation in the epigastric region without palpable masses and peristalsis was present. An endoscopy was performed, the report of which indicated endoscopic gastritis with marked flat erosions in the antrum, with eroded, bloody, intensely friable mucosa. Also, a biopsy of the mucosa was performed, with a histopathological report resulting in a large plasma cell infiltrate, with VDRL/FTA-Abs being ordered because of the prevalence of differential diagnoses. The patient was diagnosed with syphilis and was treated with benzathine penicillin 2,400,000 IU IM in three doses, one every seven days, for a total of 7,200,000 IU. He returned in six months for reevaluation. Conclusion: Although this is a rare occurrence of the disease, one should always be aware of possible differential diagnoses to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and procedures. (AU)
Introdução: A sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível identificada como um problema de saúde mundial. Seu acometimento gástrico, esofágico e/ou intestinal acontece em cerca de 1% dos casos. As descrições das lesões por via endoscópica e biópsias no histopatológico se assemelham com outras doenças mais prevalentes, como, por exemplo, os tumores infiltrativos da mucosa, linfomas relacionados a infecção do Helicobacter pylori, doença de Chron e adenocarcinomas. Objetivo: Relatar o caso de um paciente masculino adulto com exames de imagem mimetizando neoplasia gástrica, sendo, na verdade, lesões suspeitas de sífilis, sua resolução e conduta. Relato de caso: Homem de 39 anos buscou atendimento por conta de forte epigastralgia relacionada a período pós-prandial e a jejum prolongado, sem melhora com medicação. Relatou perda ponderal e episódios de vômitos com cor escura. Ao exame físico, dor à palpação profunda em região epigástrica sem massas palpáveis e peristalse presente. Foi feita endoscopia, cujo laudo apontou gastrite endoscópica com erosões planas acentuada no antro, com mucosa erodida, cruenta, intensamente friável, e feita biópsia da mucosa, com laudo do histopatológico resultando em grande infiltrado de plasmócitos, sendo pedido VDRL/FTA-Abs por conta da prevalência de diagnósticos diferenciais. O paciente foi diagnosticado com sífilis, e foi feito tratamento com penicilina benzatina 2.400.000UI IM três doses, uma a cada sete dias, num total de 7.200.000UI, retornando em seis meses para reavaliação. Conclusão: Apesar de se tratar de um acometimento raro da doença, deve-se sempre estar atento aos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais a fim de se evitar intervenções cirúrgicas e procedimentos desnecessários. (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Penicilina G Benzatina , Treponema pallidum , Sífilis , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual , EndoscopíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Globally, the incidence of HIV and syphilis can be reduced by the use of validated point of care tests (POCTs). As part of the WHO PRoSPeRo Network, we aimed to evaluate the performance, acceptability, and operational characteristics of two dual HIV/syphilis POCTs (Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo (Abbott) and DPP® HIV-Syphilis assay (Chembio) for the screening of HIV and syphilis amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). METHOD AND ANALYSES: A cross sectional study of 2,577 MSM in Italy, Malta, Peru, and the United Kingdom (UK) presenting to seven clinic sites, were enrolled. Finger prick blood was collected to perform POCTs and results compared with standard laboratory investigations on venepuncture blood. Acceptability and operational characteristics were assessed using questionnaires. Diagnostic meta-analysis was used to combine data from the evaluation sites. RESULTS: Based on laboratory tests, 23.46% (n = 598/2549) of participants were confirmed HIV positive, and 35.88% of participants (n = 901/2511) were positive on treponemal reference testing. Of all participants showing evidence of antibodies to Treponema pallidum, 50.56% (n = 455/900) were Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test reactive. Of HIV positive individuals, 60.62% (n = 354/584) had evidence of antibodies to T. pallidum, and of these 60.45% (n = 214/354) exhibited reactive RPR tests indicating probable (co)infection. For Bioline POCT, pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.95% and 99.89% respectively, and for syphilis were 73.79% and 99.57%. For Chembio pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.66% and 99.55%, and for syphilis were 78.60% and 99.48%. Both tests can detect greater than 90% of probable active syphilis cases, as defined by reactive RPR and treponemal test results. These dual POCTs were preferred by 74.77% (n = 1,926) of participants, due to their convenience, and the operational characteristics made them acceptable to health care providers (HCPs). CONCLUSIONS: Both the Bioline and the Chembio dual POCT for syphilis and HIV had acceptable performance, acceptability and operational characteristics amongst MSM in the PRoSPeRo network. These dual POCTs could serve as a strategic, more cost effective, patient and healthcare provider (HCP) friendly alternative to conventional testing; in clinical and other field settings, especially those in resource-limited settings.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH , Minorías Sexuales y de Género , Sífilis , Masculino , Humanos , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Sífilis/epidemiología , Homosexualidad Masculina , Perú/epidemiología , Malta , Estudios Transversales , Treponema pallidum , Pruebas en el Punto de Atención , Serodiagnóstico de la Sífilis/métodos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos , Infecciones por VIH/diagnóstico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the aetiology of urethral discharge syndrome (UDS) and genital ulcer disease (GUD) in Brazil due to limited access to laboratory tests and treatment based mainly on the syndromic approach. OBJECTIVES: To update Brazilian treatment guidelines according to the current scenario, the first nationwide aetiological study for UDS and GUD was performed. METHODS: Male participants with urethral discharge (UD) and/or genital ulcer (GU) reports were enrolled. Sample collection was performed by 12 sentinel sites located in the five Brazilian regions. Between 2018 and 2020, 1141 UD and 208 GU samples were collected in a Universal Transport Medium-RT (Copan). A multiplex quantitative PCR kit (Seegene) was used to detect UD: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), M. hominis (MH), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Ureaplasma parvum (UP), U. urealyticum (UU) and another kit to detect GU: cytomegalovirus (CMV), Haemophilus ducreyi (HD), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), Treponema pallidum (TP) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). RESULTS: In UD samples, the frequency of pathogen detection was NG: 78.38%, CT: 25.6%, MG: 8.3%, UU: 10.4%, UP: 3.5%, MH: 3.5% and TV: 0.9%. Coinfection was assessed in 30.9% of samples, with 14.3% of NG/CT coinfection. The most frequent pathogen identified in GU was HSV2, present in 40.8% of the samples, followed by TP at 24.8%, LGV and CMV at 1%, and HSV1 at 0.4%. Coinfection of TP/HSV2 was detected in 4.4% of samples. VZV and HD were not detected. In 27.7% of the GU samples, no pathogen was detected. CONCLUSION: This study provided the acquisition of unprecedented data on the aetiology of UDS and GUD in Brazil, demonstrated the presence of a variety of pathogens in both sample types and reaffirmed the aetiologies known to be most prevalent globally.
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Coinfección , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus , Herpesvirus Humano 1 , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual , Trichomonas vaginalis , Masculino , Humanos , Úlcera/complicaciones , Brasil/epidemiología , Coinfección/epidemiología , Coinfección/complicaciones , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual/epidemiología , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual/etiología , Chlamydia trachomatis/genética , Herpesvirus Humano 2 , Treponema pallidum , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/genética , Genitales , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/complicacionesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the clinical presentations (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) with prior Treponema pallidum infection status (first infection vs. reinfection) among people with early syphilis. METHODS: We used data from PICASSO, a cohort study in Peru that enrolled people with active syphilis from May 2019 to August 2021. Study participants had early syphilis and a prior syphilis serological test result within the prior 12 months to determine prior T. pallidum infection status. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of symptomatic clinical presentation (primary or secondary syphilis) by prior T. pallidum infection status, stratified by HIV infection status. In addition, we explored the association of prior T. pallidum infection status and lesion presentation, stratified by primary and secondary syphilis cases, using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: We include 84 T. pallidum reinfection cases and 61 first infection cases. We found increased frequency of symptomatic clinical presentation among first-infection cases (39% vs. 20%; PR, 1.94; P = 0.014). This association was stronger among persons living without HIV infection (38% vs. 7%; adjusted PR, 6.63; P = 0.001) in comparison to those living with HIV infection (45% vs. 34%; adjusted PR, 1.38; P = 0.458). Among secondary syphilis cases, more participants from the reinfection group reported that their lesions improved 1 week after treatment (100% vs. 29%, P = 0.045) compared with those with a first infection. Among the primary syphilis cases, all participants reported that their lesions improved 1 week after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Prior syphilis was associated with a decreased prevalence of symptomatic reinfection, especially among persons not living with HIV infection.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH , Sífilis , Treponema pallidum , Humanos , Sífilis/epidemiología , Sífilis/complicaciones , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Perú/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Treponema pallidum/inmunología , Prevalencia , Estudios de Cohortes , Reinfección/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The repercussions of the syphilis epidemic differ according to populations. Identifying and acknowledging the differences and specificities of populations is fundamental in the design and implementation of policies aimed at assisting the groups most vulnerable to syphilis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum and associated vulnerability factors among riverside populations of a capital city in the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of the periurban islands in Belém, northern Brazil, from August 2020 to January 2021. The inclusion criterion was being a resident of the riverside communities of the Combú Environmental Protection Area, aged 18 years or over. The participants responded to questionnaire and were tested for syphilis using rapid test. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression by Minitab version 20® software. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 325 riverine were included. Age varied from 18 to 91 years (average 40 years). Prevalence of markers for syphilis was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.3%-8.4%). The multiple regression showed that as age increases, the chances of having syphilis also increase (p = 0.001; aOR: 1.04) and riverside dwellers with more than one sexual partner in the last 6 months had more than four chances of having syphilis compared to people who had only one sexual partner (p = 0.007; aOR: 4.20). CONCLUSION: Syphilis circulates among traditional populations in the Amazon and is associated with factors of social and individual vulnerability.
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Infecciones por VIH , Sífilis , Humanos , Sífilis/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Factores de Riesgo , Treponema pallidum , Prevalencia , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The origins of treponemal diseases have long remained unknown, especially considering the sudden onset of the first syphilis epidemic in the late 15th century in Europe and its hypothesized arrival from the Americas with Columbus' expeditions1,2. Recently, ancient DNA evidence has revealed various treponemal infections circulating in early modern Europe and colonial-era Mexico3-6. However, there has been to our knowledge no genomic evidence of treponematosis recovered from either the Americas or the Old World that can be reliably dated to the time before the first trans-Atlantic contacts. Here, we present treponemal genomes from nearly 2,000-year-old human remains from Brazil. We reconstruct four ancient genomes of a prehistoric treponemal pathogen, most closely related to the bejel-causing agent Treponema pallidum endemicum. Contradicting the modern day geographical niche of bejel in the arid regions of the world, the results call into question the previous palaeopathological characterization of treponeme subspecies and showcase their adaptive potential. A high-coverage genome is used to improve molecular clock date estimations, placing the divergence of modern T. pallidum subspecies firmly in pre-Columbian times. Overall, our study demonstrates the opportunities within archaeogenetics to uncover key events in pathogen evolution and emergence, paving the way to new hypotheses on the origin and spread of treponematoses.
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Evolución Molecular , Genoma Bacteriano , Treponema pallidum , Infecciones por Treponema , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Brasil/etnología , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Genoma Bacteriano/genética , Historia del Siglo XV , Historia Antigua , Sífilis/epidemiología , Sífilis/historia , Sífilis/microbiología , Sífilis/transmisión , Treponema pallidum/clasificación , Treponema pallidum/genética , Treponema pallidum/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Treponema/epidemiología , Infecciones por Treponema/historia , Infecciones por Treponema/microbiología , Infecciones por Treponema/transmisiónRESUMEN
Syphilis is a disease preventable through sexual protection barriers, and curable with a simple treatment. Despite this, between 2010 and 2019, its incidence almost tripled in Argentina, reaching 56.1/100 000. The most affected are young people (15-24 years old), with a higher percentage of women, especially among pregnant women, in whom it increased from 2.3% to 5.8%, with a peak of 7.7% between 15 and 24 years old. Cases of secondary or tertiary syphilis, detected by control tests, are on the rise. The increase in syphilis is linked to HIV. For this reason, rapid detection tests must be carried out jointly at the first level of care, which facilitates access to the diagnosis and treatment of positive cases, with the corresponding guidance and control. Treatment with penicillin, for which no resistance has been found, is the key component of control. Doxycillin is also used (not in pregnant women), or ceftriaxone. The resistance of Treponema pallidum to azithromycin is increasing, so its use should be avoided. In 2022, 696 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. The national rate is 1.3 per 1000 live births. The majority of reported cases come from the public sector. Maternal syphilis is, in low-income areas, the most common cause of stillbirths. Strict application of existing regulations, strengthening the primary care system, and prevention during pregnancy can contribute to controlling and eliminating the syphilis problem in Argentina.
La sífilis es una enfermedad prevenible mediante barreras de protección sexual, y curable por un sencillo tratamiento. A pesar de esto, entre 2010 y 2019, su incidencia casi se triplicó en Argentina, alcanzando 56.1/100 000. Los más afectados son los jóvenes (15-24 años), con mayor porcentaje de mujeres, especialmente entre las embarazadas, en que aumentó de 2.3% a 5.8%, con un pico de 7.7% entre 15 y 24 años. Los casos de sífilis secundaria o terciaria, detectados por pruebas de control, están en aumento. El aumento de sífilis va unido al HIV. Por ello las pruebas rápidas de detección deben hacerse conjuntamente en el primer nivel de atención, lo que facilita el acceso al diagnóstico y al tratamiento de los casos positivos, con la orientación y control correspondientes. El tratamiento con penicilina, para la que no se ha hallado resistencia, es el componente clave del control. También se usa doxicilina (no en embarazadas), o ceftriaxona. Está aumentando la resistencia del Treponema pallidum a la azitromicina, por lo que debe evitarse su empleo. En 2022 se notificaron 696 casos de sífilis congénita. La tasa de nacional es 1.3 por 1000 nacidos vivos. La mayoría de los casos notificados provienen del sector público. La sífilis materna es, en áreas de bajos recursos, la causa más común de nacidos muertos. La aplicación estricta de las normas existentes, el fortalecimiento del sistema de atención primaria, y la prevención durante el embarazo, pueden contribuir a controlar y eliminar el problema de la sífilis en Argentina.