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Tuddenham S, Ghanem KG. Management of Adult Syphilis: Key Questions to Inform the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 74:S127-S133. [PMID: 35416969 PMCID: PMC9006973 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A panel of experts generated 5 "key questions" in the management of adult syphilis. A systematic literature review was conducted and tables of evidence were constructed to answer these questions. Available data suggest no clinical benefit to >1 dose of benzathine penicillin G for early syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. While penicillin remains the drug of choice to treat syphilis, doxycycline to treat early and late latent syphilis is an acceptable alternate option if penicillin cannot be used. There are very limited data regarding the impact of additional antibiotic doses on serologic responses in serofast patients and no data on the impact of additional antibiotic courses on long-term clinical outcomes. In patients with isolated ocular or otic signs and symptoms, reactive syphilis serologic results, and confirmed ocular/otic abnormalities at examination, a diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is not necessary, because up to 40% and 90% of patients, respectively, would have no CSF abnormalities. Based on the results of 2 studies, repeated CSF examinations are not necessary for HIV-uninfected patients or HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy who exhibit appropriate serologic and clinical responses after treatment for neurosyphilis. Finally, several important gaps were identified and should be a priority for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Leal SM, Rodino KG, Fowler WC, Gilligan PH. Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Diagnosis of Ocular Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0007019. [PMID: 34076493 PMCID: PMC8262805 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00070-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety and complexity of ocular infections have increased significantly in the last decade since the publication of Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections (L. D. Gray, P. H. Gilligan, and W. C. Fowler, Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections, 2010). The purpose of this practical guidance document is to review, for individuals working in clinical microbiology laboratories, current tools used in the laboratory diagnosis of ocular infections. This document begins by describing the complex, delicate anatomy of the eye, which often leads to limitations in specimen quantity, requiring a close working bond between laboratorians and ophthalmologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic care. Descriptions are provided of common ocular infections in developed nations and neglected ocular infections seen in developing nations. Subsequently, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic aspects of laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are explored in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixto M. Leal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kyle G. Rodino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W. Craig Fowler
- Department of Surgery, Campbell University School of Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter H. Gilligan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Queiroz RDP, Smit DP, Peters RPH, Vasconcelos-Santos DV. Double Trouble: Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Ocular Syphilis in HIV-infected Individuals. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1040-1048. [PMID: 32657637 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1772839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis and HIV infection may coexist in the same individual. Ocular syphilis and/or neurosyphilis may develop at any stage of coinfection, with a stronger association between ocular and neurosyphilis in individuals living with HIV, than in HIV-uninfected individuals. The diagnosis of ocular syphilis in HIV-infected and -uninfected patients remains with some controversy due to unspecific clinical manifestations and limited diagnostic tests. Penicillin is the mainstay of treatment of ocular syphilis, but alternative options are warranted. This review describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by ocular syphilis against the background of HIV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Pinho Queiroz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Uveitis Unit, Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Derrick P Smit
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit , East London, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria , Pretoria, South Africa.,CAPHRI School of Public Health & Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Vitor Vasconcelos-Santos
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Uveitis Unit, Hospital São Geraldo/Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Gu X, Gao Y, Yan Y, Marks M, Zhu L, Lu H, Guan Z, Shi M, Ni L, Peng R, Zhao W, Wu J, Qi T, Lu S, Qian Y, Gong W, Zhou P. The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:1569-1578. [PMID: 32163642 PMCID: PMC7496700 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long-term consequences. OBJECTIVES To describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis. METHODS We report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients. RESULTS A total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow-up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS Ocular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- X. Gu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Y. Gao
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Y. Yan
- Department of OphthalmologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineJiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - M. Marks
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - L. Zhu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - H. Lu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Z. Guan
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - M. Shi
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - L. Ni
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - R. Peng
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - W. Zhao
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - J. Wu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - T. Qi
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - S. Lu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Y. Qian
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - W. Gong
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - P. Zhou
- Sexually Transmitted Disease InstituteShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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Paule R, Denis L, Chapuis N, Rohmer J, Hadjadj J, London J, Chauvin A, Bonnet C, Mouthon L, Le Jeunne C, Monnet D, Blanche P, Brezin A, Terrier B. Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping and CD4/CD8 Ratio in Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis-related Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2019; 29:290-298. [PMID: 31671003 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1678647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic relevance of CD4/CD8 ratio in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the etiological diagnosis work-up of uveitis.Methods: We consecutively included patients who were referred to our department for the diagnostic workup of intermediate and/or posterior uveitis. Etiological diagnoses were established in a blind manner regarding CD4/CD8 ratio.Results: Fifty-two patients were included. A diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis was made in 15 (29%) patients, 21% had another determined diagnosis while 50% remained of undetermined origin. Median CD4/CD8 ratio in CSF was 4.57 (IQR 3.39-5.47) in ocular sarcoidosis, 1.74 (1.60-3.18) in uveitis due to other determined cause (P = .008), and 2.83 (2.34-3.54) in those with uveitis of undetermined origin (P = .007). CD4/CD8 ratio >3.23 was associated with a diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.Conclusion: Determination of CD4/CD8 ratio in CSF can be useful for diagnosis work-up since a CD4/CD8 ratio >3.23 in CSF is associated with ocular sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Paule
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laure Denis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Julien Rohmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Hadjadj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan London
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Chauvin
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS-UMR1153), Paris, France
| | | | - Luc Mouthon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Claire Le Jeunne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Monnet
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Antoine Brezin
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Bazewicz M, Lhoir S, Makhoul D, Libois A, Van den Wijngaert S, Caspers L, Willermain F. Neurosyphilis cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with ocular syphilis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2019; 29:95-101. [PMID: 31647700 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1672193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate neurosyphilis cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and initial ophthalmic manifestations in patients with syphilitic uveitis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of CSF analysis of 14 patients with syphilitic uveitis with treponemal analysis - chemiluminescent immunoassay and TPHA- and non-treponemal analysis - Rapid Plasma Reagin test - RPR.Results: 86% were males and 43% HIV+. Ocular signs of syphilis lead to the diagnosis of syphilis in 78% of patients. Typical syphilitic uveitis presentations included: acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (50% of patients), retinitis (21% of patients) and punctate inner retinitis (7% of patients). 57% of patients had definite neurosyphilis by the CDC criteria, while 71% had CSF abnormalities suggestive of central nervous system involvement.Conclusion: Based on international guidelines, the frequent CSF abnormalities found in syphilitic uveitis patient supports the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in a majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bazewicz
- Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Lhoir
- Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Makhoul
- Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Libois
- Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Van den Wijngaert
- Microbiologie, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire Bruxelles - Universitaire Laboratorium Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Caspers
- Ophthalmology, CHU St Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Willermain
- Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Lapere S, Mustak H, Steffen J. Clinical Manifestations and Cerebrospinal Fluid Status in Ocular Syphilis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:126-130. [PMID: 30230943 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1521436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid findings and outcomes of patients diagnosed with ocular syphilis. METHODS Retrospective case review of all patients treated with ocular syphilis at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa between January 2008 and January 2013. RESULTS A total of 77 eyes of 49 patients were included. Panuveitis was the most common presenting sign (48.9%). A lumbar puncture was performed on 37 patients (75.5%) and 64.8% (24/37) of samples had positive treponemal testing (CSF-FTA) while 24.3% (9/37) had positive non-treponemal testing (CSF-VDRL). Elevated CSF lymphocyte cell count was a strong predictor of neurosyphilis (p = 0.06 for CSF-FTA positive samples and p = 0.03 for CSF-VDRL positive samples). CONCLUSION The majority of patients (64.8%) who underwent lumbar puncture had cerebrospinal fluid findings suggestive of neurosyphilis. Elevated CSF lymphocyte cell count and total protein count are highly suggestive of neurosyphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Lapere
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Hamzah Mustak
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Jonel Steffen
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town , South Africa
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Sève P, Bodaghi B, Trad S, Sellam J, Bellocq D, Bielefeld P, Sène D, Kaplanski G, Monnet D, Brézin A, Weber M, Saadoun D, Cacoub P, Chiquet C, Kodjikian L. Prise en charge diagnostique des uvéites : recommandations d’un groupe d’experts. Rev Med Interne 2018; 39:676-686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Clinical Manifestations and Ophthalmic Outcomes of Ocular Syphilis at a Time of Re-Emergence of the Systemic Infection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12071. [PMID: 30104765 PMCID: PMC6089995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports from different world regions suggest ocular syphilis is re-emerging, in parallel with an increasing incidence of the systemic infection globally. We conducted a large observational study of 127 persons consecutively treated for ocular syphilis at public medical centers in Brazil over a 2.5-year period ending July 2015. Of 104 individuals serologically tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 34.6% were positive. Ophthalmological evaluations included measurement of Snellen visual acuity and intraocular pressure, and assessment of inflammation by slit lamp examination and dilated posterior eye examination. Involvements in 214 eyes were anterior (6.1%), intermediate (8.4%), posterior (76.2%) and pan- (8.4%) uveitis, and scleritis (0.9%). Multiple anterior and posterior eye complications were observed, including cataract in the anterior eye (incidence rate, 0.18/eye-year) and epiretinal membrane in the posterior eye (incidence rate, 0.09/eye-year); incidence rates of reduction in best-corrected visual acuity to ≤20/50 and ≤20/200 were 0.10 and 0.06/eye-year, respectively. Rates of complications and visual acuity loss did not differ significantly between HIV- positive and negative individuals. In an era of re-emergence, syphilis has ocular complications that may compromise vision, despite treatment with appropriate anti-microbial drugs.
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Pratas AC, Goldschmidt P, Lebeaux D, Aguilar C, Ermak N, Benesty J, Charlier C, Benveniste E, Merabet L, Sedira N, Hope-Rapp E, Chaumeil C, Bodaghi B, Héron E, Sahel JA, Lortholary O, Errera MH. Increase in Ocular Syphilis Cases at Ophthalmologic Reference Center, France, 2012-2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 24:193-200. [PMID: 29350138 PMCID: PMC5782877 DOI: 10.3201/eid2402.171167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the frequency, demographic and clinical features, and visual outcomes of ocular syphilis infections observed during 2012-2015 at a tertiary reference center in Paris, France. Twenty-one cases (29 eyes) were identified. The occurrence of ocular syphilis increased from 1 case in 2012 to 5 cases in 2013, 6 cases in 2014, and 9 cases in 2015 (2.22-25.21/1,000 individual patients/year for the period). Among case-patients, an annual 20%-33% were co-infected with HIV. Seventy-six percent of ocular syphilis infections occurred in men who have sex with men. Seventy-five percent of case-patients had a good final visual outcome (best-corrected visual acuity >0.3 logMAR score). Visual outcome was worse for HIV-positive patients than for HIV-negative patients (p = 0.0139). At follow-up, the best visual outcomes were observed in patients whose mean time from first ocular symptom to consultation was 15 days (SD +19 days).
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Neurosyphilis in Africa: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005880. [PMID: 28859081 PMCID: PMC5597251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurological involvement is one of the most important clinical manifestations of syphilis and neurological disease occurs in both early and late syphilis. The impact of HIV co-infection on clinical neurosyphilis remains unclear. The highest prevalence of both syphilis and HIV is in Africa. Therefore it might be expected that neurosyphilis would be an important and not uncommon manifestation of syphilis in Africa and frequently occur in association with HIV co-infection; yet few data are available on neurosyphilis in Africa. The aim of this study is to review data on neurosyphilis in Africa since the onset of the HIV epidemic. Methods We searched the literature for references on neurosyphilis in Africa for studies published between the 1st of January 1990 and 15th February 2017. We included case reports, case series, and retrospective and prospective cohort and case-control studies. We did not limit inclusion based on the diagnostic criteria used for neurosyphilis. For retrospective and prospective cohorts, we calculated the proportion of study participants who were diagnosed with neurosyphilis according to the individual study criteria. Depending on the study, we assessed the proportion of patients with syphilis found to have neurosyphilis, and the proportion of patients with neurological syndromes who had neurosyphilis. Due to heterogeneity of data no formal pooling of the data or meta-analysis was undertaken. Results Amongst patients presenting with a neurological syndrome, three studies of patients with meningitis were identified; neurosyphilis was consistently reported to cause approximately 3% of all cases. Three studies on stroke reported mixed findings but were limited due to the small number of patients undergoing CSF examination, whilst neurosyphilis continued to be reported as a common cause of dementia in studies from North Africa. Ten studies reported on cases of neurosyphilis amongst patients known to have syphilis. Studies from both North and Southern Africa continue to report cases of late stage syphilis, including tabes dorsalis and neurosyphilis, in association with ocular disease. Discussion This is the first systematic review of the literature on neurosyphilis in Africa since the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Neurosyphilis continues to be reported as a manifestation of both early and late syphilis, but the methodological quality of the majority of the included studies was poor. Future well-designed prospective studies are needed to better delineate the incidence and clinical spectrum of neurosyphilis in Africa and to better define interactions with HIV in this setting. Involvement of the central nervous system is an important manifestation of syphilis which may be more common in patients co-infected with HIV. As most cases of syphilis and HIV are seen in Africa it might be anticipated that neurosyphilis was common there. We reviewed all published material on neurosyphilis in Africa since 1990. There were few well designed studies of neurosyphilis. A small number of studies suggested that syphilis remains a cause of meningitis in Africa. Our data suggest that neuosyphilis remains an important disease in Africa but better prospective studies are needed to understand its epidemiology.
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