Epidemilogy "Syphillis"

Section I. Snapshot of Characteristics of Syphilis

1) Factors that may explain why some people develop syphilis while other people do not is due to individual determinants which include a person's genetic makeup, gender, age, immunity level, diet, behaviors and existing diseases (Aschengrau, 2003, p. 8).

2) Characteristics of persons affected with syphilis are determined by gender, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status and by age.

(a) Demographic Characteristics

Ð'* In 1999, 50 percent more cases of syphilis among men than women were reported (CDC, 1999).

Ð'* Syphilis rates in 1999 were highest among women ages 25 to 29 years and among men ages 35 to 39 years old (CDC, 1999).

Ð'* All races and ethnicities are susceptible to syphilis but, it continues to disproportionately affect African Americans (CDC, 1999).

(b) Behavioral patterns

Ð'* Smoking, diet, and exercise do not seem to have any factors linked to syphilis.

Ð'* Sexual lifestyle or behavior is the determinant of whether one will contract syphilis or not. There are many ways one can protect themselves from contracting syphilis or other STD's.

(c) Place

Detailed national data by city and state are only available for nationally notifiable STD's. Syphilis is a nationally notifiable disease and is reported from all areas of the United States. Syphilis continues to be concentrated in the southern region of the United States. In 1999, three cities-Baltimore, MD.; Danville, VA.; and St. Louis, MO. - and 22 counties accounted for half of the total number of syphilis cases