Increasing trend in syphilis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation of syphilis in the Slovak Republic in the period of the past two decades. BACKGROUND: In last decade, the incidence of syphilis has decreased in European countries by 13%. However, several countries reported an increase in the trend of syphilis. METHODS: Cases of syphilis reported to the National Health Information Center in the Slovak Republic were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: In the first decade syphilis possessed an increase rate 262.5 % and 127.6 % in five subsequent year intervals, and then the rate fluctuated and showed minimal decrease in the last three years. The highest rate 7.3 per 100 000 population documented in 2009. The peak in the Bratislava region reached 36.36 in 2000. Epidemic was documented in marginalized group in East region. Early syphilis was the most frequent stage observed in both decades but late and no specified cases increased in the last period. The M/F rate was up to 1.7, the most frequently recorded age category was 15-24 years. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a requirement for developing a comprehensive control and educational program in the overall population, particularly in marginalized groups, and improving case management by health providers.