Syphilis coinfection in individuals living with HIV: tertiary university hospital data

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the coinfection of syphilis in HIV-positive individuals and the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these patients. Material and methods: Our study was conducted in Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, between 13.02.2018 and 13.02.2024, in 26 patients with clinically and laboratory-confirmed syphilis co-infection among 142 HIV/AIDS patients who were followed up and confirmed in the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology outpatient clinic. Results: A total of 142 HIV positive and 26 (18.3%) syphilis coinfected patients between the ages of 17-77 were included in the study. The mean ages of the infected and syphilis coinfected patients were 39.1 and 41.07, respectively. Six (23%) of the coinfected patients were married, the remaining 14 (53.8%) were single or divorced, five had multiple partners; 20 (77%) were heterosexual, four (15%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), and two (8%) were bisexual. Simultaneous HIV/syphilis positivity was detected in 14 (54%) of the coinfected patients at the time of diagnosis, while 7 (27%) were detected during the HIV treatment follow-up period, and 5 (19%) were detected before HIV diagnosis. Of the patients with coinfection, five (19.2%) had primary syphilis, 10 (38.5%) had latent syphilis, and 11 (42.3%) had secondary syphilis at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-two (85%) of the patients had been diagnosed and treated for syphilis only once, while the remaining (15%) had received two or more treatments. Conclusions: The prevalence of syphilis coinfection and reinfection in patients was 18.3% and 15%, respectively. In cases of coinfection, male gender, alcohol and drug consumption, being MSM, irregular lifestyles, and sexual habits were found to be effective. It is important to conduct screening for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in HIV-infected patients. Providing psychiatric support to these patients in organizing their life plans is also very important for preventing HIV transmission and syphilis coinfection. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.