Symptomatic Early Neurosyphilis a Risk in HIV-Infected Men

HIV-infected homosexual men with syphilis have about a 2% risk for developing symptomatic early neurosyphilis, according to a CDC study.
The estimate, published in MMWR, was based on a review of 49 cases. Neurosyphilis was the only sign of syphilis in half the patients, and about one-third had persistent symptoms 6 months after treatment.
An editorial note recommends that physicians be alert for neurosyphilis when treating HIV-infected people with cranial nerve dysfunction or other unexplained neurologic symptoms.