Investigation of neurosyphilis and clinical parameters in HIV-negative patients with latent syphilis

• Grant number: 19/18441-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2020
• End date: February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Anna Sara Shafferman Levin
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Pereira Boog
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Neurosyphilis is a complication of Acquired Syphilis and is defined by the infection of the Central Nervous System by Treponema pallidum. This condition has gained relevance due to the recent rise in the incidence of syphilis, particularly in low-income countries. The diagnosis, established by cerebrospinal fluid analysis is complicated, mainly due to subpar sensitivity of laboratory tests and existing controversies regarding indications for lumbar puncture in asymptomatic HIV-negative patients. We believe that a diagnosis of Neurosyphilis may be underdiagnosed in this population. In that sense, we seek to determine the frequency of this condition and identify possible risk factors in the clinical history, physical examination and complementary tests. To that end we will divide patients based on CSF analysis in three groups: Neurosyphilis excluded; Neurosyphilis probable; Neurosyphilis confirmed. Measured parameters obtained in the clinical history, examination and laboratory tests will be compared, thus determining the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory profile of patients with Acquired Syphilis with or without Neurosyphilis.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BOOG, GUSTAVO HENRIQUE PEREIRA; LOPES, JOAO VITOR ZIROLDO; MAHLER, JOAO VITOR; SOLTI, MARINA; KAWAHARA, LUCAS TOKIO; TENG, ANDRE KAKINOKI; MUNHOZ, JOAO VICTOR TABA; LEVIN, ANNA S.. Diagnostic tools for neurosyphilis: a systematic review. BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES, v. 21, n. 1, JUN 14 2021. (19/18441-0)