Overview
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with an increasing incidence in Belgium and other high-income countries over the last decade 1. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected due to factors including unprotected sex, a higher number of sexual partners, and risk compensation associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis use 1.Diagnosis
Prioritized testing strategies should be applied 1.
Recommendations cover sample collection and laboratory tests for diagnosis 1.
Syphilis serology follow-up is addressed 1.Management
Guideline addresses the treatment of individuals diagnosed with syphilis 1.
Partner management is a component of the guideline 1.Key Recommendations
Enhanced screening of specific populations at risk is proposed 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
The guideline provides recommendations for primary health care professionals in Belgium regarding syphilis diagnosis and treatment 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
The guideline addresses prioritized testing, sample and test selection for diagnosis, treatment, syphilis serology follow-up, and partner management 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Jespers V, Stordeur S, Carville S, Crucitti T, Dufraimont E, Kenyon C et al.. Diagnosis and treatment of syphilis: 2019 Belgian National guideline for primary care. Acta clinica Belgica 2022. link