The number of infectious syphilis cases continue to rise in both men and women.

Screening for syphilis remains important, and a blood test should be offered for:

• all patients presenting for a sexual health screen (Guideline: Australian STI testing guideline for Primary Care- updated version )
• all pregnant women at booking AND 28-week visits (all pregnant women) (Guideline: Qld Syphilis in Pregnancy Guideline ) – this guideline will soon be updated to include testing at 36-weeks OR delivery (whichever comes first)
• all newborns whose mother had syphilis during pregnancy OR baby with clinical suspicion of syphilis (Guideline: Qld Syphilis in Pregnancy Guideline )
• all sexual contacts of partners who have been diagnosed with syphilis (Australian Syphilis Management Guideline ).

Treatment with injectable Benzathine benzylpenicillin cures the infection, but don’t forget to contact tracing partners and arrange for follow-up!

Gold Coast Sexual Health Service can help and is available via Smart Referrals, Medical Objects, fax 07 5687 9212