OBJECTIVETo summarize the epidemiological, clinical and serological features of syphilis.

METHODThe clinical data of 1125 patients with syphilis were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSNon-marital sexual intercourse is the main route of infection. The 129 cases of primary syphilis were featured by extragenital chancres and the 357 cases of secondary syphilis were featured by scaling macules on the palms and soles and condylomata lata. Early latent syphilis were detected in 178 cases, late latent syphilis in 174 cases, and latent syphilis of unknown duration in 285 cases. Concurrent infection with other sexually transmitted diseases were noted in 107 cases (9.51%). Most patients were treated with benzathine penicillin, and only 31 patients (2.75%) were allergic to this therapy. Except for the primary syphilis, the sensitivity of syphilis serological tests (including rapid plasma regain test, treponema pallidum particle agglutination, treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay, and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption) were higher than 97%.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of latent syphilis is high, while the incidence of late syphilis is low. Penicillin remains the treatment of choice for syphilis.