Syphilis and Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Excerpt

The number of persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and developing the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has continued to rise since this entity was first described in 1981. There are now over 40 000 reported cases of AIDS, and over 25% have been diagnosed since January 1987. Syphilis also continues as a considerable health care problem with over 15 000 cases diagnosed this year. Infectious agents in both conditions are sexually transmitted and the infections can occur concomitantly in the same person. Infection with HIV may have important effects on the manifestations of a second, coexisting infection; this