Chang Y.-H.Liu W.-C.SUI-YUAN CHANGWu B.-R.Wu P.-Y.Tsai M.-S.CHIEN-CHING HUNGLew-Ting C.-Y.2021-12-012021-12-0120141684-1182https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84908594080&doi=10.1016%2fj.jmii.2013.11.003&partnerID=40&md5=1239378dee8882ca2a2c5df626bb6819https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/588811Background/Purpose: Little is known about the factors associated with syphilis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with access to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Taiwan, where MSM has re-emerged as the leading risk group for HIV transmission. Methods: From March to October 2011, MSM who regularly attended HIV clinics at a university hospital were invited to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire interview was conducted to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, immunologic and virologic status, sexual partners and patterns of sexual behavior, and use of recreational drugs. Results: During the study period, 310 HIV-infected MSM with a mean age of 35.5 years were enrolled, of which 82.3% (. n=255) were sexually active and 37.4% (. n=116) used recreational drugs in the past 6 months. Syphilis was self-reported in 46.5% (. n=144) of the participants after HIV infection was diagnosed and 37.5% (112/299) had serologic evidence of syphilis within 1 year before enrollment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis limited to those who were receiving cART showed that higher CD4 counts [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.34], lower educational achievement (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.05-3.63), serosorting (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.04-10.63), and use of recreational drugs (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.26-5.13) were associated with syphilis. Conclusion: Improved immune status, lower educational achievement, serosorting, and use of recreational drugs were associated with syphilis among HIV-infected MSM who were receiving cART. These findings suggest that strengthening client-specific counseling is needed to reduce risks for syphilis among HIV-infected MSM in Taiwan. ? 2013, Taiwan Society of Microbiology.[SDGs]SDG3antiretrovirus agent; recreational drug; adult; antiviral therapy; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; combination antiretroviral therapy; condom use; controlled study; drug combination; high risk population; HIV serosorting; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; male; men who have sex with men; self report; sexual behavior; sexuality; structured questionnaire; syphilis; Coinfection; complication; cross-sectional study; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV Infections; male homosexuality; questionnaire; risk factor; syphilis; Taiwan; young adult; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Syphilis; Taiwan; Young Adultjournal article10.1016/j.jmii.2013.11.003243885752-s2.0-84908594080