Screening for syphilis among homosexual men in bars and saunas in Amsterdam

Abstract

Serological screening of 1627 homosexual men visiting two saunas and two bars in Amsterdam showed that 32.2% were seroactive for syphilis. The 18-month study period ended in June 1981. Follow-up was possible in 91% (224/245) of subjects with both positive TPHA and VDRL test results; 76 cases of previously undetected syphilis were identified among 75 of the 224 men (incidence rate 4.6%). The rate of previously undetected syphilis declined appreciably during the study period. The cost of identifying one new case of syphilis was Dfl 577 (£120 or US$220).