Trends in Acquired Syphilis in Municipalities Along the Economic Routes of Mato Grosso Do Sul, 2010–2023

Acquired syphilis (AS) remains a public health challenge in Brazil, with unequal distribution between regions and populations. This study aimed to describe temporal trends and the sociodemographic profile of cases in municipalities along the bioceanic and cellulose routes in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. A time series analysis was conducted using the Joinpoint Regression Program, with calculation of annual percent changes (APC) in AS rates between 2010 and 2023 using the formula: (number of AS cases/total population)*100,000. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.4.2). Distributions of categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. Data were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). A total of 15,628 AS cases were analyzed in 12 municipalities along the economic routes. In 2023, municipalities with the highest AS rates were Ribas do Rio Pardo (311 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Sidrolândia (203.7), and Campo Grande (189.6). In recent years, increases in rates were observed in Ribas do Rio Pardo (2021–2023; APC = 156.4%) and Sidrolândia (2020–2023; APC = 45.5%). Conversely, substantial declines were seen in Bataguassu (2018–2023; APC = -37.5%) and Porto Murtinho (2016–2023; APC = -24.9%). As age did not show a normal distribution (p < 0.001), the median was used and ranged from 25.5 to 35 years, indicating young adults as the most affected group. There was a difference in sex distribution (p < 0.05) in Campo Grande (64.1%), Três Lagoas (64.9%), Nioaque (61.0%), Porto Murtinho (58.9%), and Jardim (57.9%), with male predominance in these municipalities. The other municipalities showed no difference in sex distribution. All cities showed differences in distribution by race (p < 0.05), with a predominance of self-declared mixed-race individuals in most municipalities, especially Água Clara (71.4%), Sidrolândia (71.2%), and Jardim (65.6%). The exceptions were Campo Grande and Porto Murtinho, where white individuals prevailed, representing 38.2% and 53.2% of cases, respectively. The results highlight the need to intensify prevention and surveillance measures along the bioceanic and cellulose routes, especially in municipalities with recent high transmission, such as Sidrolândia and Ribas do Rio Pardo. Strengthening notification systems and directing specific actions to the most vulnerable populations in these regions are essential.