Syphilis infection is associated with high rates of partner change within risk groups and with concurrent HIV infection.1

Other factors which may contribute to increased risk of syphilis, and coinfection with HIV, include:1

• Increasing rates of unsafe sex among homosexual men, particularly with partners of unknown HIV status
• A growing pool of HIV-infected individuals
• Expansions in established sexual and social networks (such as saunas and cruising grounds) that facilitate the acquisition of sex partners
• The introduction of novel sexual and social networks such as internet chat rooms