Role of Acquired Immunity to T. pallidum in the Control of Syphilis

Abstract

DURING THE PAST 10 years a marked re- surgence of infectious syphilis has occurred in the United States and elsewhere-a marked contrast to its rapid decline in the preceding decade.Fleming listed the following 10 reasons for this resurgence in his excellent review of the subject (1):1. Decreased financial support for venereal disease control activities during the mid-1950's.2. Increasing urbanization.3. Decreasing "happenstance" use of penicillin.4. The shift in treatment of syphilis from public clinics to private physicians' offices, due to the introduction of long-acting penicillin, and the fact that syphilis is not well reported to public health authorities have hindered epidemiologic investigation.5. Decreased fear of syphilis due to the avail- ability of quick treatment.6. Increased population mobility. 7. Importation of syphilis from other coun- tries.8.An increase in syphilis among teenagers. 9. Homosexuality (possibly increasing in im- portance).10.Increased consumption of alcohol.These factors have undoubtedly played a role in the current syphilis control problem, but it is not possible to state with certainty the extent