Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia
Maryam Kusumawatya, Khairuddin Djawada, Muh Nasrum Massib,*, A M Adama, Siswanto Wahaba, Burhanuddin Baharc
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: To assess the epidemiology and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia, as well as its correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Methods: This research is a cross-sectional descriptive multi-center research with consecutive sampling. We established the diagnosis based on the serological result using RPR, TPHA, and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other STI, and stadium of the disease. Results: A total of 79 cases confirmed serologically were diagnosed with syphilis collected among January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/ MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them also MSM. Conclusion: Our study showed that there were among syphilis and an enhancement risk of HIV spread in MSM groups; there is a significant correlation. Enhancement cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection between MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered the leading risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.
Keywords: HIV infection; MSM; RPR; Syphilis; TPHA
Topic: Communicable disease related to women