RELEVANCE:

For timely detection of syphilis in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of their sex life and the possibility of detecting syphilis.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the feasibility of including molecular biological methods for diagnosing syphilis in the algorithm of clinical and laboratory examination of HIV-infected MSM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In connection with suspected syphilis, 2 HIV-infected MSM who practicing oral-genital and anal intercourse were examined. Serological non-treponemal and treponemal reactions were used to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis. The direct diagnostic methods were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the method of amplification of ribosomal RNA molecules — NASBA.

RESULTS

As a result of examination of patients, the diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed, despite the absence of classic clinical manifestations. The expediency of using highly sensitive molecular biological methods, PCR and NASBA for the diagnosis of syphilis in HIV-infected MSM, is shown, which allow detecting T. pallidum DNA and/or RNA in biological material from extra-genital foci.

CONCLUSION

The use of direct highly sensitive molecular biological methods for laboratory diagnosis of syphilis in HIV-infected MSM confirms the presence of infection; it allows starting treatment timely and preventing the infection spread, avoiding the development of complications.