The SOS2 study involves a visit with a doctor to determine whether you have secondary syphilis and up to 4 follow up visits at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC). You will be reimbursed for your time with a gift voucher.
About the study
Syphilis is an infection caused by a bacteria that is spread through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal or anal sex. The secondary stage is when someone is most likely to pass on the infection, so it is very important for you to be treated to look after your health, and the health of your sexual partners.
How syphilis is spread between sexual partners, and how long someone remains infectious for, after treatment is unclear. Previous studies have shown that the syphilis bacteria can be found at sites, i.e., mouth, anus or vagina where there are no symptoms, like sores or ulcers. This is particularly true of secondary syphilis, which has been found to be associated with the highest rates of infection where there are no symptoms. This means that asymptomatic transmission from these sites may play a role.
However, no existing studies have yet established whether the detected syphilis bacteria was infectious. Further, studies have focused mostly on men who have sex with men, resulting in a lack of evidence showing that anal shedding occurs in heterosexual men and women, and whether vaginal shedding in women occurs.
Who we want to talk to
Anyone attending MSHC or a participating sexual health service for management of suspected/confirmed secondary syphilis.
You must:
- be 18 years or older
- be willing to have a genital inspection and anal swab
- have not received any other antibiotics in the past 4 weeks
- be able to provide informed consent without an interpreter
For the time you spend participating in this study, you will be reimbursed for your time with gift vouchers for each visit you attend.
What’s involved
If you agree to participate, additional study blood tests and swabs will be taken along with your routine tests on the day. You will be treated for syphilis on the same day. You can attend up to 4 follow up visits (approximately 10 minutes/follow up visit) after your initial treatment if secondary syphilis is confirmed.
