Screening for Syphilis Infection in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement

IMPORTANCE Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can progress through different stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) and cause serious health problems if left untreated. Reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis in the US increased from a record low of 2.1 cases per 100 000 population in 2000 and 2001 to 11.9 cases per 100 000 population in 2019. Men account for the majority of cases (83% of primary and secondary syphilis cases in 2019), and rates among women nearly tripled from 2015 to 2019. OBJECTIVE To reaffirm its 2016 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update focusing on targeted key questions evaluating the performance of risk assessment tools and the benefits and harms of screening for syphilis in nonpregnant adolescents and adults. POPULATION Asymptomatic, nonpregnant adolescents and adults who have ever been sexually active and are at increased risk for syphilis infection. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT Using a reaffirmation process, the USPSTF concludes with high certainty that there is a substantial net benefit of screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant persons who are at increased risk for infection. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis infection in persons who are at increased risk for infection. (A recommendation)

Automated summary

This article discusses the serious consequences of syphilis and the changing patterns of infection. Reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis have significantly increased in recent years, with higher infection rates among men than women.