Korean J Dermatol.  2025 Mar;63(2):29-39.

Trends of Syphilis in a Single Tertiary Center: A 24-Year Demographic, Clinical, and Serologic Analysis

• Jeong DI
• Park SY
• Kim TW
• Kim M
• Park S
• Kim HJ
• Baek JO

Abstract

Background
Syphilis, an infectious and chronic disease primarily transmitted through sexual contact, is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Although the introduction of penicillin has significantly reduced its incidence, syphilis continues to have a substantial impact on public health.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in syphilis and to analyze its epidemiologic, clinical, and serologic characteristics.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 330 patients who tested positive for the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, including 192 patients who received a diagnosis of syphilis and who visited the Dermatology Department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center between 2000 and 2023. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate trends in syphilis incidence and related variable factors, such as sex, age, and serological results.
Results
The average age of the 192 syphilis patients was 34.18±15.81 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. The most prevalent age group was 20∼29 years, comprising 71 patients (37.0%). Over time, the incidence of syphilis demonstrated a decreasing trend (p＜0.001). A total of 105 patients (54.7%) were diagnosed with symptomatic syphilis, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. The proportion of symptomatic syphilis patients tended to decrease with increasing age (p＜0.05). Maculopapular syphilis was the most frequently observed presentation in secondary syphilis (36.2%). The proportion of symptomatic syphilis patients significantly increased with higher VDRL titers (p＜0.001).
Conclusion
The incidence of syphilis has shown a consistent decline over the past two decades. However, the relatively higher prevalence among younger age groups indicates the need for continued public health efforts.

Keyword

Epidemiology; Incidence; Syphilis