Epidemiological Trends of Syphilis in Qatar 2015-2024: A Decade of Surveillance Data

Background : The resurgence of syphilis worldwide has drawn renewed attention to gaps in prevention and surveillance. Regional data from the Gulf are limited. This study examined ten-year trends in syphilis in Qatar, analyzing demographic and clinical patterns and evaluating congenital infection as a marker of antenatal control. Methods : A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using de-identified laboratory data from Hamad Medical Corporation between 2015-2024. Adult cases were defined by reactive Treponema pallidum antibody and RPR test while congenital cases met CDC surveillance definitions. Cases were summarized by demographic variables and year, and annual incidence rates were calculated using national population data. Results : During the ten-year period, 3,166 adult cases were confirmed. Incidence rose from 6.77 to 14.16 per 100,000, peaking in 2019 an average annual increase of 7.9 percent (IRR 1.079, 95% CI 1.038-1.122). Males accounted for 74% of infections, with 41% occurring in adults aged 25-34 years. Non-national residents represented 80% of cases. Early-stage disease predominated (61%). HIV co-infection was identified in 156 cases (4.9%), rising from 1.96% in 2016 to 9.29% in 2023. Fifty-two congenital infections were reported, averaging five annually, with national infants representing one-third. Conclusion : Rising incidence, increasing HIV co-infection, and continuing congenital infections point to ongoing transmission and incomplete antenatal control. Strengthened surveillance, timely maternal treatment, and integration of public-health and laboratory data are essential to sustain progress toward WHO elimination goals.