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REVIEW

Public health interventions to control syphilis

Thomas A. Peterman A C and Bruce W. Furness A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E02, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.

B Division of STD/TB Control, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD & TB Administration, 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC, 20002, USA.

C Corresponding author. Email: tap1@cdc.gov

Sexual Health 12(2) 126-134 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14156
Submitted: 13 August 2014  Accepted: 29 September 2014   Published: 15 January 2015

Abstract

Syphilis control strategies are old, but interventions have changed and there is now a more scientific approach to evidence of effectiveness. We searched PubMed using ‘syphilis control’ to identify papers that measured the effectiveness of interventions. We also included novel approaches and comprehensive responses to outbreaks. Few papers used high-quality research methodology and fewer evaluated impact on prevalence or incidence; most assessed intermediate outcomes. Syphilis can often be controlled by a combination of case finding, treatment and education. However, outbreaks are unique and ongoing evaluation is needed to see if interventions are producing intended intermediate outcomes at reasonable costs.

Additional keywords: effectiveness, evidence, incidence, prevalence, prevention, Treponema pallidum.


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