Syphilis & HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) – What’s the deal?

Syphilis is more common in HIV+ men who have sex with men. Syphilis can progress from stage to stage much more rapidly in someone who is HIV+ - sometimes in a matter of months as opposed to years – and can also cause neurological damage in the early stages of the infection. Syphilis infection can also cause HIV disease to advance more rapidly, and may lead to a more rapid onset of AIDS. Treating syphilis can be more difficult with someone who is HIV+.