Increased Drug Use Linked to Doubling of Syphilis Rate

The marked increase in syphilis cases among heterosexual people in the U.S. was accompanied by a more than doubling of illicit drug use.

Since 2000, when syphilis rates in the U.S. reached a nadir, rates have increased, with the initial surge occurring among men who have sex with men. Since 2013, rates of both primary and secondary syphilis also began increasing in women and men who have sex with women.

Now, CDC investigators have evaluated national syphilis surveillance data from 2013 through 2017 to determine how drug-related behavior (use of methamphetamines, heroin, other injection drugs, or sex with an injection drug user) may have influenced this trend.

During the study period, the rate of primary and secondary syphilis increased by 156% in women and 65.7% in men. At the same time, reported use of methamphetamines, heroin, or injection drugs or sex with an injection drug…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Increased Drug Use Linked to Doubling of Syphilis Rate

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Reviewing Author