2 minutes read2 minutes readAustralia, and particularly Melbourne, are keeping a watchful eye on the sexually transmitted infection, Syphilis. It is a serious infection that can cause short and long-term health issues if left undetected or untreated. With early testing and diagnosis, most people can receive treatment and recover from it.
Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Lyndell Lim, remarks that, “Syphilis is what a lot of people sort of call the great masquerader, in that it can actually mimic a whole lot of different diseases or problems within the body from the actual infection itself”.
Statistics
The Australian Government Department of Health states that between 2013 and 2017, the notification rate of infectious syphilis increased 135% from 7.8 per 100,000 in 2013 to 18.3 per 100,000 in 2017, with an increase in both men (119%) and women (309%).
Rates among women in 2017 were highest in the 15–19-year-old age group (15.9 per 100,000), 20-24-year-old age group (15.1 per 100,000) and 25–29-year-old age group (13.7 per 100,000). The rate of notification for infectious syphilis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was 40 times greater than among non-Indigenous women (97.4 vs 2.3 per 100,000).
According to the World Health Organization there was an estimated 7 million new syphilis infections globally in 2020.
Ocular and Congenital Syphilis in Victoria
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has reported an increase in patients presenting with ocular syphilis which can lead to vision loss or blindness. 2 cases were reported in 2006 with an increase to 21 in 2019.
Since 2017, a rise in women contracting the infection has led to the re-emergence of congenital syphilis in Victoria. Congenital syphilis is a disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to her baby during pregnancy. Complications during the pregnancy can include miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or death of the newborn baby.
Postpartum the baby can be at risk of deformity or experience delays in their development. Other conditions may include fever, rashes, an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, anaemia and meningitis. Damage can be caused to a young child’s teeth, bones, ears, eyes and brain if left untreated.
Genomic tracking of Syphilis in Melbourne
Starting in May 2021, researchers are using genomic sequencing technology to track increased syphilis outbreaks in Melbourne. These outbreaks were particularly prevalent in the outer north-west and outer south-east suburbs. Dr. Chen, Monash University Adjunct Professor said, “Syphilis is spreading through the community into areas it wasn’t present in before”.
Professor of Microbiology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection, Deborah Williamson, began work in Spring of this year with the Melbourne Sexual Health Clinic and the Victoria Department of Health to analyse samples from syphilis patients. She hopes that “it will enable us to track strains of syphilis as they emerge”.
Professor Williamson adds that “early testing and screening for sexually transmitted infections would be key to preventing greater spread”.
Confidential testing for Syphilis and other STI’s
If you have any concerns about Syphilis or your general sexual health then please speak with one of our highly trained advisors, either by phone on the number at the top of this webpage, or through our live online webchat. Better2Know can make you an appointment at sexual health clinics near you and organise confidential consultations, appointments and STI testing.
Sources
[1] Health.gov.au: (Data from the Kirby Institute) Syphilis in Australia
[2] ABC News: Genomic sequencing used to track syphilis outbreaks in Melbourne’s suburbs
