Review of current evidence and comparison of guidelines for effective syphilis treatment in Europe

2003 The purpose of this review is to compare the differences in treatment regimens for syphilis in the European region. There is still a lack of evidence and consensus on the most appropriate regimes for different stages of the infection. The review outlines the evidence and current thought that supports these differences, by consolidating information summarised in the guidelines and in the many review articles addressing the management of syphilis. The background section presents an overview of why differences in treatment recommendations exist. The body of the paper compares recommended treatments for different stages of disease and clinical contexts. Recommendations from the different guidelines are presented together in tabular form to facilitate comparison, and the appendices refer to the full texts of the guidelines discussed. With the advent of HIV infection and the increased levels of syphilis in many geographical regions, the need for effective treatment and harmonized treatment guidelines is greater than before.