While syphilis is still uncommon, in the last few years it has made a dramatic resurgence, to the point that the incidence is now at levels comparable to those seen before widespread awareness of HIV and AIDS induced greater concern about safe sex.1

A large part of this resurgence is due to major outbreaks, in London, Brighton, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow.1,2 These outbreaks were largely among homosexual men and were associated with a high rate of partner change and concurrent HIV infection.1