Demystifying Syphilis: Diagnosis and Treatment – Dr Khalil Ghanem

In episode 58 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Khalil Ghanem joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss current challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis. Dr Ghanem is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr Ghanem’s research focuses on reproductive tract infections in particular syphilis and the vaginal microbiome. He was a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the development of the 2010 and 2015 Adult Syphilis Treatment Guidelines. Dr Ghanem discusses the history and current trends of syphilis, including the impact of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) on infection rates. Dr Saag and Dr Ghanem also address screening and testing for syphilis and the current issues faced in diagnosis and treatment including the management of penicillin G benzathine shortages. Finally, Dr Ghanem looks ahead to new research to address syphilis management, emphasizing the need for better diagnostics and treatment options, especially during pregnancy.0:00 – Introduction1:24 – Trends in the rates of syphilis, including recent updates on latest data 4:24 – The role of DoxyPep in syphilis management7:18 – Screening and testing for syphilis with new recommendations for screening during pregnancy14:45 – Challenges in diagnosis and treatment and impact of new research 22:54 – Recommendations for management of penicillin G benzathine shortages26:39 – Future research in addressing challenges to management of syphilisResources:Going anti-Viral – Episode 9: Apple Podcasts Understanding The Implementation of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) and Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections with Dr Annie Luetkemeyer __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email [email protected] to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...