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Syphilis and HIV – The Intersection of Two Epidemics

Syphilis Tends to Progress Faster in People with HIV

Lack of treatment for syphilis can lead to more serious complications, such as neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis is a more serious type of syphilis that affects the nervous system. It can happen during any stage of syphilis but usually commences when there seems to be no progress in a person’s condition. Symptoms of neurosyphilis include paralysis, serious headache, and dementia.

Having HIV can also increase your risk of getting neurosyphilis [2]. According to research from 2013, certain factors were associated with neurosyphilis in HIV-positive people. These include:

  • Showing symptoms like headaches and visual disturbance
  • Viral load that is not managed through antiretroviral drugs
  • CD4 count lower than 500 cells per microliter