Resurgence of Syphilis in the US—USPSTF Reaffirms Screening Guidelines

Since its modern-day nadir of 5979 cases per year, or 2.1 cases per 100 000 population, in 2001, primary and secondary (PS) syphilis incidence has rapidly increased.In 2019, 38 992 cases, or 11.9 cases per 100 000, were reported, more than a 5-fold increase.1 The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently "recommends screening for syphilis infection in persons who are at increased risk for infection (A recommendation)."2The recommendation applies to asymptomatic, nonpregnant adolescents and adults who have ever been sexually active and is based on findings that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.Because dermatologists are among the frontline health care professionals in the fight against syphilis, the USPSTF recommendation, supported by an updated evidence report and systematic review, 3 presents an opportunity to update the dermatology community regarding recent trends in syphilis epidemiology, clinical presentation, testing, and treatment.