Increases in Syphilis Among Young Men in the United States

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for most reports of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis. During 2005–2010, rates  among young MSM (15–29 years-old) especially among black and Hispanic MSM increased dramatically (with increases of 200% and 144%, respectively, among 27 states consistently reporting sex of partner data during this time period). Co-infection with HIV among MSM was common (46% of 15–29 year-old MSM during 2010). In contrast, rates among women only increased slightly, and rates of congenital syphilis (CS) were almost unchanged. However, complexities involved in reporting CS complicate interpretation of the data. These and other challenges in reporting syphilis will be discussed.