Syphilis had become relatively rare in developed countries since the discovery of penicillin, though it continues to plague many parts of the global South. At the turn of the millennium, it looked as though the United States had all but eliminated the disease.

What gender is most likely to get syphilis?

Most cases of syphilis in the United States are among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Syphilis also has increased nearly every year among MSM, for about two decades.

How common is syphilis in the world?

The estimated 18 million prevalent cases of syphilis in 2012 translates to a global prevalence of 0.5% among females and 0.5% among males aged 15–49 years.

Why are syphilis rates increasing?

Reasons for increase in cases Increased drug use in this population, including heroin, methamphetamine and injection drugs, more than doubled from 2013 to 2017 and is associated with the increase in syphilis cases, Vermund and colleagues reported.

What age group is most likely to get syphilis?

P&S syphilis rates in 2000 were highest among women ages 20- to 24-years-old and among men ages 25- to 29-years-old. However, the age groups at highest risk vary by race.

Can one get syphilis from kissing?

Second, kissing can also transmit syphilis, which may present as an oral chancre. T pallidum can invade mucous membranes through abrasion. Therefore, oral chancre can result from kissing with a syphilis patient. Therefore, kissing with a syphilis patient should also be avoided in order to block the infection.

Can syphilis be passed to child?

Syphilis can also be passed on to an unborn baby during pregnancy. Congenital syphilis is the disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to her baby during pregnancy. Babies born to women with untreated syphilis may be stillborn (a baby born dead) or die from the infection as a newborn.