Contact-tracing outcomes among male syphilis patients at a tertiary care hospital in North Eastern India

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with a surge in its prevalence in recent times nationwide. Early detection, timely treatment, and preventive measures are key to managing and preventing the spread of the disease. Contact tracing is a critical public health practice used to control spread of STIs like syphilis.This study compared the results of contact tracing between male syphilis patients who reported having sex with men (MSM), with women alone (MSWO), or with both. A cross-sectional study where 100 male syphilis positive patients patients of age-groups 18-60 years, appearing Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Silchar Medical College with cutaneous manifestations were enrolled in study over 1 year from November 2023 to October 2024. A group of patients came with reactive VDRL & RPR report having history of exposure but no clinical signs were included as latent syphilis.45 (45%) of the male patients in our study were between the ages of 21 and 30. Male patients reported engaging in sex with women only (MSWO) in 68 cases, sex with men (MSM) in 27 cases, and sex with both male and female partners in 5 cases. 189 (57.9%) of the 326 contacts had latent syphilis, 41 (12.5%) had secondary syphilis, and 96 (29.4%) had primary syphilis.: Innovative, fresh methods are required to control syphilisCreating awareness regarding such manifestations and their probable association with sexual practices is also imperative.