Usefulness of Partner Notification for Syphilis Control

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Abstract
In the United States, the recent syphilis epidemic has been followed by the lowest rates in 40 years. Syphilis control in the United States traditionally emphasizes partner notification; however, its role in elimination efforts remains undefined. To describe and compare outcome measures of partner notification during and after the epidemic. Descriptive analysis of data obtained from interview records of patients with early syphilis in Louisiana during 1993 through 1996. Of 12,927 patients with early syphilis, 3,245 (25%) were identified through partner notification. A total of 7,120 (55%) patients named at least one infected contact. Patients named a mean of 2.3 contacts, resulting in 29,248 named contacts; of these, 22,825 (78%) were examined. A total of 9,374 (41%) of examined contacts were infected, including 18% who were newly identified as infected. No substantial differences were found between epidemic and postepidemic years. Partner notification is successful in identifying and treating a large number of infected persons. However, complementary strategies will be needed to eliminate syphilis.

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