A proactive survey of syphilis infection among most at risk populations (MARPs) via a rapid test, which is run by sexually transmitted Infection clinic, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 10 Chiang Mai

Abstract

           Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, Treponema pallidum. The majority of infected people do not present any symptoms (latent period) and they are chronic infected. If they are not received a correct and complete treatment, the disease will progress and affect multiple organs. The study is a cross-sectional, descriptive study for examining the prevalence of Syphilis infection among Most At Risk Populations (MARPs). The 577 people were enrolled in the study and taken the blood samples between January and March 2010. The whole blood was tested for Syphilis via Immunochromatography method (IC), SD BIOLINE Syphilis 3.0 ® . The Individual result was shown within 20 minutes. Every sample was confirmed by Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA). The result shows 3.2% of the total population tested positive for Syphilis (18 cases) The rate of the positive results among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Female Sex Workers (FSW), Male Sex Workers (MSW) and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) are 5.6%, 3.7%, 2.5% and 0%, respectively. Among the 18 people, 6 people have already received the treatment; 12 people have not received the treatment. According to the study, the rapid test has 83.33% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The proactive survey via rapid test may give the opportunity for the people who cannot easily access to the health care service. The can be diagnosed and can receive the standard treatment at the same visit. Therefore, it can decrease the sequelae of the disease in the population.