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A blog by Gail Bolan, M.D., Director
of the Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), discusses surveillance data released in CDC’s 2011 STD Surveillance
Report. Bolan draws attention to the increase in primary and secondary syphilis
rates among gay and bisexual men—who account for more than 70 percent of all
infections—and what can be done to reverse the high rates of infection among
this sector of society. She notes that a large number of these infections are
among young men who have sex with men (MSM), with the highest rates among 20–29
year olds.
Annual surveillance data in the
report emphasize the disproportionate burden of disease among gay and bisexual
men. Bolan explains that the genital sores caused by syphilis make sexual
transmission and acquisition of HIV even easier. Hence, there is an estimated
two-to-fivefold increased risk of HIV if persons with syphilis are exposed to
the virus. Also, studies show that syphilis increases the viral load of persons
with HIV infection. These facts increase Bolan’s concern, since data show that
four of every 10 MSM with syphilis is co-infected with HIV. Bolan argues that
the stakes are too high to ignore these health disparities and emphasizes the
importance of promptly diagnosing and treating syphilis infections among MSM to
decrease their chances for HIV infection.
Bolan stated that to fight the root
causes of health disparities among gay and bisexual men involves confronting
the underlying conditions that place the group at greater risk of STDs. She
contends that risk behavior alone does not explain the disproportionate STD
burden of MSM, but that complex issues such as homophobia and stigma are
responsible to some extent for these infections. She discusses how CDC is
working with program partners to take action to confront the underlying causes
of STD disparities and provides the example of the more comprehensive holistic
sexual healthcare through CDC’s program collaboration and service integration.
Also, action plans guided by the best available science and input from partners
are being implemented to help individuals and communities overcome
environmental forces that increase the risk of acquiring an STD.
Bolan is aware that government
cannot do it alone and that more broad-based action is needed by all involved.
She envisages that working together, government and individuals can face sexual
health issues. The blog concludes with Bolan’ suggestions for what health care
providers, individuals, and community leaders should do to create greater
awareness and openness about sexual health issues, to help end the disparity,
and to ensure good health for gay and bisexual men who are disproportionately
impacted by STDs and HIV.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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