Variability of Oral Syphilis diagnosis in the last 12 years

Objectives:

In the period between 1996 and 2001, the cases of oral syphilis were rare. During the following 6 years (2002-2007), the disease began to onset more frequently. The purpose of the present study is to discern oral lesions found in Secondary Syphilis and their increase in the last 6 years in the Oral Medicine Department of the University of Buenos Aires in comparison with the previous 6 years.

Methods:

We have studied 23367 patients over a 12 years period in our Service. All the cases who presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of Syphilis were included. Serologic tests for Syphilis and HIV were also included.

Results:

The results were confirmed by VDRL. From 1996 to 2001 the registered cases increased from 1 to 7. In the period 2002-2007 the figures began to change; the cases observed grew notably until they reached 48 in 2007; this means that there was a 6.85 fold increase in the last 6 years. The mean age was 39 and the incidence was much higher in males (6:1). The most frequent lesion was papules, present in 95 % of the patients and most frequently situated in the tongue (68%). The most common adenopathy found was the submaxilary present in 70 % cases. The time of onset of oral lesions was 2 months in 40 % of the patients. Co infection with HIV was seen in only 2 patients.

Conclusion:

The number of cases of syphilis diagnosed in our service has risen significantly, particularly since 2002 to 2007. This increment may be caused by the lack of Venereal Disease Preventive Programs and the lack of use of prophylactic methods in the studied population. Every syphilis-infected patient should be tested for HIV and vice versa. Therefore, dentists should have a significant role in the early and accurate detection of the disease.