Infectious syphilis among adolescent and young adult men: implications for human immunodeficiency virus transmission and public health interventions.

Background: In 2008, an increase in syphilis among young black men was noted in New York City (NYC), Miami-Fort Lauderdale, and Philadelphia. To explore this trend, we examined infectious syphilis cases from 2000 to 2008 among adolescent and young adult men in these areas.

Methods: Descriptive analysis of male infectious syphilis cases reported to public health authorities in NYC, FL, and Philadelphia.

Interventions in the commercial sex industry during the rise in syphilis rates among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Objective: Describe sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention interventions targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in commercial sex venues (CSV).

Study: Compilation of descriptive and evaluation data from the CDC 8-city MSM Syphilis Response on interventions conducted in bathhouses/sex clubs, circuit parties, the Internet, male sex workers, and the adult film industry.

Results: Interventions in the commercial sex industry (CSI) often involved multiple collaborative efforts between public health departments (PHD), community-based organizations (CBO), and CSV owners and managers.

Activities to increase provider awareness of early syphilis in men who have sex with men in 8 cities, 2000-2004.

Objective: Describe provider awareness campaigns undertaken in response to syphilis epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: Descriptive data from 8 cities facing MSM syphilis epidemics was compiled.

Results: Provider awareness efforts included medical alerts, provider visits, lectures to providers on symptom recognition and treatment, and ongoing provision of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) morbidity information through mailings, visits, and e-mail communications.

Florida's multifaceted response for increases in syphilis among MSM: the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale initiative.

After many years of declining rates, it became apparent in 1999 that syphilis cases were on the rise in Florida. Data analysis identified that the outbreak was predominately contained in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and among men who have sex with men.