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USPSTF 2022 recommends screening for syphilis in persons at increased risk (A recommendation)
Clinical Question
What are the benefits and harms of screening for syphilis in nonpregnant adolescents and adults?
Bottom line
The USPSTF concludes the evidence is sufficient to screen for syphilis infection in nonpregnant persons at increased risk of infection (A recommendation). Persons at increased risk include men who have sex with men; persons with HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections; persons who use illicit drugs; and persons with a history of incarceration, sex work, or military service. This is consistent with the 2016 USPSTF recommendation. 5
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Various (guideline)
Synopsis
The incidence of syphilis in adolescents and adults continues to rise every year. This updated US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) review of the available evidence found that screening asymptomatic adolescents and adults can accurately identify those with a syphilis infection. There are no direct studies comparing screening to no screening, but subsequent treatment of persons with syphilis cures infection, preventing late-stage disease and sexual transmission to others. The potential harm of screening is no greater than small. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Family Physicians similarly recommend screening for syphilis in persons at increased risk.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
Syphilis Screening
I had no idea syphilis was on the rise again. When I was in my medical training every patient admitted to hospital had a VDRL test without consent. Times have certainly changed
fairly rare
public health and personal issues
syphilis screening
for high risk individuals