Mpox, <i>Treponema pallidum</i> co-infection in people with newly acquired HIV: A case series and literature review

BackgroundCondomless sexual behaviors and intimate interactions have increased co-infections of syphilis, Mpox, and HIV. The concurrent infections disrupt the natural course of syphilis, hindering timely diagnosis and the effective implementation of treatment strategies. This research investigates the clinical characteristics of individuals co-infected with Mpox, <i>T.</i> <i>pallidum</i> and HIV through case studies, aiming to enhance understanding and identify effective treatment strategies for syphilis to prevent disease progression.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted to assess the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of two patients diagnosed with both syphilis and Mpox. Additionally, a thorough review of the existing literature was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline databases.ResultsThe review identified 32 cases of syphilis co-infected with Mpox, with 75% of individuals also living with HIV and 25% newly diagnosed with HIV. Notably, 66% had a clearly defined stage of syphilis, and serological testing showed that 65% of patients had antibody titers of 1:16 or higher, while 35% had titers of 1:8 or lower.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the importance of evaluating co-infections in individuals with anogenital ulcerative conditions. Timely identification and prompt intervention are crucial for effectively managing concurrent infections, especially when patients are facing multiple infections.