Towards the Elimination of Syphilis in a Small Developing Country

Abstract

Objective. To describe the current epidemiological features of syphilis and congenital syphilis in Trinidad, 2009-2012. Methods. All laboratory confirmed syphilis cases diagnosed through a vertical program in the Ministry of Health, between 1/1/2009 and 31/12/2012, were identified. All relevant data were collected including address which was geocoded and mapped using ArcGIS 10.0 (Esri). Both spatial techniques and standardized incidence ratios were used to determine hot spots. Results. The annual cumulative incidence rate for syphilis remains high varying from 39 per 100 000 population in 2009 to 29 per 100 000 in 2012. We identified 3 "hot spots," in urban areas of Trinidad. Young men and particularly young women in childbearing age 15-35 living in urban high density populations were commonly infected groups. Conclusion. The incidence of syphilis continues to be very high in Trinidad. New initiatives will have to be formulated in order to attain the global initiative to eradicate syphilis by 2015.

Figure 1

All cases of syphilis reported by the MoH by gender, 1994–2009. All cases identified by review of clinical records at the QPCC, 2009–2012.

Figure 2

Number of congenital syphilis cases by year, per 1000 live births, 2003–2009.

Figure 3

Map of Trinidad with colours depicting density of cases per population density calculated using the Spatial Analyst Kernel Density Tool.