SOS Global
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Treponemal shedding, load, and viability, in women and men-who-have-sex-with-women only with early infectious syphilis: implications for transmission
IRAS ID
355091
Contact name
Michael Marks
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Syphilis is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum ssp pallidum. Precisely how Treponema pallidum (Tp) is transmitted between sexual partners remains unclear and a better understanding of transmission will inform public health responses. In Gay, Bisexual and Men who have sex with men there is emerging evidence for the role of asymptomatic transmission from the oral cavity and from the anus.
However amongst heterosexual populations there have been no studies that have determined detection rates of asymptomatic Tp from the vagina, or from penile skin.
This observational study will recruit heterosexual individuals with syphilis seen at sexual health clinics. Alongside routine care these individuals will be asked to provide additional swabs/samples collected from the oral cavity and the vagina/penis (as appropriate). We will use these samples to examine whether mucosal shedding among women and MSW differs by disease stage. All individuals will continue to receive standard care in line with national guidance.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SC/0151
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion