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    Analysis of the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Syphilis in Susceptible Populations: Men Who Have Sex with Men, People Living with HIV, and Patients with Gestational and Congenital Syphilis—A Narrative Review


    Welc, Natalia, Frącz, Wiktoria, Olejniczak, Rafał, Żaba, Ryszard and Kavanagh, Kevin (2025) Analysis of the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Syphilis in Susceptible Populations: Men Who Have Sex with Men, People Living with HIV, and Patients with Gestational and Congenital Syphilis—A Narrative Review. Microorganisms, 13 (6). p. 1205. ISSN 2076-2607

    Abstract

    The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a public health crisis that significantly impacted sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis. However, data on syphilis incidence during the pandemic remains inconsistent globally. Key groups affected include women of reproductive age, pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM). This paper reviews available literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to analyse the pandemic’s influence on congenital and gestational syphilis, focusing on high-risk populations. We discuss the pandemic’s impact on the incidence of gestational and congenital syphilis, including changes in screening and treatment protocols. Additionally, we examine alterations in syphilis prevalence and testing among people living with HIV and MSM, including implications observed in blood donors. The findings underscore the consequences of impaired STI diagnostics for public health. We emphasise the need for uninterrupted access to diagnostics and treatment during public health crises. To prevent rising syphilis rates post-pandemic, it is crucial to implement robust education and accessible testing measures.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: syphilis; COVID-19; pandemic; congenital syphilis; gestational syphilis; men who have sex with men; MSM; people living with HIV; PLWH; HIV; blood donors;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
    Item ID: 21157
    Identification Number: 10.3390/microorganisms13061205
    Depositing User: Dr. Kevin Kavanagh
    Date Deposited: 03 Feb 2026 12:19
    Journal or Publication Title: Microorganisms
    Publisher: MDPI
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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