Recorded presentation

Jeff Vasiloff, MD, MPH, HIV/STD Prevention, Ohio Department of Health, 35 E. Chestnut St., 7th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-728-9256, jvasilof@gw.odh.state.oh.us and Karen Schanz, BS, HIV/STD Surveillance, Ohio Department of Health, 35 E. Chestnut St., 7th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.

Introduction: High rates of syphilis exist among urban men who have sex with men (MSM). To prevent further infections, the specific risk behaviors and attendant behaviors of this high risk group need to be determined to design effective interventions. Because of the increased role of the internet in contemporary sexual liaisons, this was explored among cases of early syphilis among MSM in Franklin County (Columbus), Ohio, beginning May, 2003. Methods: Syphilis is a class A(2) reportable disease in Ohio. Data from syphilis reports is collected and monitored by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) STD Surveillance Program. Each case is assigned to a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) to gather additional behavioral data by face to face interviews. Results: 45 MSM with primary or secondary (P&S) syphilis were reported in Franklin County (Columbus) during May to November, 2003. Of these, 21 (46.7%) met their partners through the internet. Other sources of partners included bars, sex clubs, and friends. Discussion: Nearly half of this cohort of urban Ohio MSM with P&S syphilis met partners through the internet. This is consistent with the finding from other studies that seeking partners on the internet is a marker of high risk sexual behavior. To prevent further spread of syphilis among urban Ohio MSM, interventions need to address internet use as both a vehicle of, and a marker for high risk behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the changing demography of syphilis in Ohio and nationally
• List the top five locations/means of meeting sexual partners among urban Ohio MSM with syphilis
• Recognize the role of the internet in the syphilis epidemic among MSM

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation