SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES CONTROL BRANCH

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Untreated infection can lead to long-term health problems, including brain disease. Syphilis increases both transmission and acquisition of HIV. Tests and treatment are available.

Information on congenital syphilis.

Resources for Providers

CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, United States, 2024
Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care Tests for Syphilis (PDF) (hhs.gov)
Clinical Interpretation of Syphilis Screening Algorithms (PDF)(californiaptc.com)
*NEW* CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Powdered Benzathine Benzylpenicillin (Extencilline®) for the Treatment of Syphilis (1/26/24) (PDF)
Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit
*NEW* CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Special Considerations for the Treatment of Syphilis Using Alternative Therapies in Non-pregnant Persons (9/12/23) (PDF)
Health Advisory: Bicillin® L-A (Benzathine Penicillin G) Shortage
Syphilis Treatment Intervals in Non-Pregnant Patients: A Clinical Resource for Providers (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Opt-Out ED Screening for HIV, HCV, and Syphilis (3/28/22) (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Call to Expand HIV and Syphilis Testing for Pregnant Women (11/16/21) (PDF)
Health Alert: Increasing Cases of Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis Among Females in Northern California (Oct. 2021) (PDF)
Expanded Syphilis Screening Recommendations for the Prevention of Congenital Syphilis Guidelines for California Medical Providers 2020
High Congenital Syphilis Morbidity in California: List of Local Health Jurisdictions (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Expanded Syphilis Screening Recommendations for the Prevention of Congenital Syphilis (12/8/20) (PDF)
Screening for Syphilis in Emergency Departments Resource Guide (PDF)
Rapid Syphilis Testing Fact Sheet & FAQs (PDF)
Syphilis Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (CDC)
Neurosyphilis Guide (PDF)
Use of Treponemal Immunoassays for the Screening and Diagnosis of Syphilis: Guidance for Medical Providers and Laboratories in California (PDF)**

**Please note, the STI treatment guidelines referenced in this document are out of date. Please refer to the 2021 STI Treatment guidelines for the current treatment regimens.

Resources for Local Health Jurisdictions

Resources for the Public

Syphilis Fact Sheet (CDC) [English] [Spanish]
Syphilis and Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Fact Sheet (CDC) [English] [Spanish]
Free STD Retest Reminders for Patients
STD Test Sites
Teen-Friendly STD Information and Health Clinics
Condom Access for Teens
Assess Your Risk for STDs
Send and Email or Text to Let Your Partners Know They Should Get Tested (TellYourPartner.org)
PrEP Locator

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