Serology results for syphilis cases in campaigning in a Municipality in Northern Brazil

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 12 million new cases of syphilis occur per year in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate results in a campaign of active search of syphilis cases in the City of Belém, Pará State, Brazil, entitled "Belém no controle da sífilis" (Belém in syphilis control). This campaign was aimed at the population of reproductive age, above 15 years old. Twelve Municipal Health Centers were selected based on the target audience and positive cases of Belém Health Districts. From October 24, 2013 to October 30, 2013, samples for serology were collected and 630 tests were conducted by Rapid Check Syphilis. The results of the campaign showed that the positive serology for syphilis in the sampled population was 6%, corresponding to 40 cases with positive diagnosis. The most prevalent age group was 21-40 years old in females and 31-50 years old in males. The campaign demonstrated efficacy in syphilis diagnosis, improving the principles of health promotion and disease prevention that focus on maternal and fetal mortality. It is recommended that health services participate actively in the diagnostic campaigns offered by health networks, and continually make available the rapid testing to users and treatment for positive cases.