A proposal for changes to the European Union syphilis surveillance case definition using evidence from evaluations in Ireland.

ABSTRACT: Syphilis remains a disease of public health importance, with considerable health effects if not treated. Concurrent infection with syphilis and untreated HIV facilitates HIV transmission. The incidence of syphilis in Europe has been increasing, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and in MSM with HIV. However, there is heterogeneity among countries in the case definition used for syphilis and in reported syphilis notification rates. In Ireland, we have undertaken a number of refinements of the national syphilis surveillance system since 2014, including refinement of the laboratory thresholds for notification (rapid plasma reagin 1:16 and/or positive IgM). This article outlines the steps taken and some of the challenges we faced. Our current case definition now accurately refl

SUBMITTER: Petty-Saphon N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6852312 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature