Frequency of Syphilis and Hepatitis in HIV Patients

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the frequency and impact of syphilis and hepatitis in HIV patients is crucial for optimizing clinical management strategies. Early diagnosis and treatment of these co-infections are vital to mitigate their detrimental effects on HIV progression and overall patient health. This study aims to elucidate the frequency of syphilis and hepatitis co-infections in individuals with HIV.
METHODS: The outcomes of serological tests for syphilis, HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBV-DNA, and anti-HCV, which were conducted simultaneously with or after the anti-HIV test, along with the patients' demographic data, were retrospectively reviewed and assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using the MedCalc (version 20.009; Belgium) statistical package program.
RESULTS: Of the anti-HIV test results examined between May 2021 and 2024, 72 were found to be reactive. Of these, 12 (18.8%) were found to be reactive for Treponema pallidium total antibody. HIV/Syphilis/HBV coinfection was observed in only 1 patient. In logistic regression analysis, individuals with syphilis were 40 times more likely to contract HIV, while individuals with HBV were 2.18 times more likely to contract HIV. HIV reactivity was 14.3 times less common in women than in men. A significant association was found between genders in terms of HIV reactivity.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since the main transmission route of syphilis, as in HIV infection, is known to be sexual contact, we found a very high rate of syphilis in HIV-infected individuals in our study. Early diagnosis by performing serological tests for both syphilis and viral hepatitis in all HIV-infected patients will be beneficial in reducing transmission.