brutus
01-27-2005, 09:44 PM
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/27/Worldandnation/Study__Syphilis_spike.shtml
Study: Syphilis spike likely a natural cycle
By wire services
Published January 27, 2005
A recent rise in syphilis rates in the United States is probably due to natural cycles rather than an increase in unsafe sex or other behaviors, according to a new study.
The finding is encouraging to public health authorities who have worried that increasing syphilis infection, especially among gay and bisexual men, is a sign that people at high risk for HIV have grown complacent about practicing safe sex.
Syphilis has been on the rise in the United States since 2000, when the incidence of the disease was at its lowest in six decades. In 2003, the most recent year for which data are available, 7,177 cases were reported, compared with 5,979 in 2000.
"One would expect for the next few years for syphilis incidence to continue to rise," said Nicholas C. Grassly, one of the study's authors.
Grassly and his colleagues argue in this week's issue of the journal Nature that syphilis infection follows a natural cycle that peaks at eight- to 11-year intervals. Though sexual behavior certainly influences the overall number of people infected, the researchers concluded, those regular ups and downs are an intrinsic property of the disease itself.
Study: Syphilis spike likely a natural cycle
By wire services
Published January 27, 2005
A recent rise in syphilis rates in the United States is probably due to natural cycles rather than an increase in unsafe sex or other behaviors, according to a new study.
The finding is encouraging to public health authorities who have worried that increasing syphilis infection, especially among gay and bisexual men, is a sign that people at high risk for HIV have grown complacent about practicing safe sex.
Syphilis has been on the rise in the United States since 2000, when the incidence of the disease was at its lowest in six decades. In 2003, the most recent year for which data are available, 7,177 cases were reported, compared with 5,979 in 2000.
"One would expect for the next few years for syphilis incidence to continue to rise," said Nicholas C. Grassly, one of the study's authors.
Grassly and his colleagues argue in this week's issue of the journal Nature that syphilis infection follows a natural cycle that peaks at eight- to 11-year intervals. Though sexual behavior certainly influences the overall number of people infected, the researchers concluded, those regular ups and downs are an intrinsic property of the disease itself.