A study conducted in Türkiye found that 1 in 3 people living with HIV had syphilis.

In a comprehensive study conducted by Yağmur Ekenoğlu Merdan, Ph.D., a faculty member in the Department of Medical Microbiology, between January 2022 and December 2024, data from 2,768 individuals living with HIV who provided blood samples were evaluated. The syphilis diagnosis was confirmed by the simultaneous positive results of two separate tests.

"ONE IN THREE HIV CARRIERS HAS SYPHILIA"

According to the study, 33.3 percent of people living with HIV also had syphilis. The rate was much higher among men than women, with 37 percent of men diagnosed with syphilis compared to 6.1 percent of women.

"The rate reaches its highest level at 37.4 percent in patients aged 31-40," Dr. Merdan said. "The lack of a significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age suggests that the risk may be related not to age but to behavioral differences, particularly seen in young adulthood."

"Since both diseases are sexually transmitted, they can occur together in the same person."

Providing information about the diseases, Dr. Merdan said, "HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and certain diseases. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It begins with painless sores on the genitals in the early stages and, if left untreated, can lead to serious damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Because both diseases are sexually transmitted, they can coexist in the same person."

"SYPHILIA AND HIV ARE TRANSMITTED IN THE SAME WAY"

Dr. Merdan, noting the overlap in the transmission patterns of syphilis and HIV, said, "This table demonstrates that undiagnosed or untreated sexually transmitted infections continue to be a serious public health problem among people living with HIV. The high rate among men indicates that risky sexual behaviors are more prevalent in some groups."

"SYPHILIS SCREENING SHOULD ALSO BE DONE IN HIV TREATMENT"

Dr. Merdan emphasized that the study results demonstrate the necessity of regular syphilis screening in patients receiving HIV treatment, saying, "Preventive efforts should be increased, especially for young male patients. The combined provision of health services for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV is crucial for controlling the epidemic."

Dr. Merdan also stated that public awareness of sexually transmitted diseases needs to be increased, saying, "Early diagnosis, regular testing, and raising public awareness about safe sexual behaviors are among the most effective methods for reducing the spread of these diseases."