Incidence of syphilis seroconversion among HIV‐infected persons in Asia: results from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database

摘要

Introduction Outbreaks of syphilis have been described among HIV‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western communities, whereas reports in Asian countries are limited. We aimed to characterize the incidence and temporal trends of syphilis among HIV‐infected MSM compared with HIV‐infected non‐MSM in Asian countries. Methods Patients enrolled in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database cohort and with a negative non‐treponemal test since enrolment were analyzed. Incidence of syphilis seroconversion, defined as a positive non‐treponemal test after previously testing negative, was evaluated among patients at sites performing non‐treponemal tests at least annually. Factors associated with syphilis seroconversion were investigated at sites doing non‐treponemal testing in all new patients and subsequently testing routinely or when patients were suspected of having syphilis. Results We included 1010 patients from five sites that performed non‐treponemal tests in all new patients; those included had negative non‐treponemal test results during enrolment and subsequent follow‐ups. Among them, 657 patients were from three sites conducting regular non‐treponemal testing. The incidence of syphilis seroconversion was 5.38/100 person‐years (PY). Incidence was higher in MSM than non‐MSM (7.64/100 PY vs. 2.44/100 PY, p Conclusions We observed a higher incidence of syphilis seroconversion among HIV‐infected MSM and a trend to increasing annual incidence. Regular screening for syphilis and targeted interventions to limit transmission are needed in this population.