Usefulness of partner notification for syphilis control

Background and Objectives: In the United States, the recent syphilis epidem ic has been followed by the lowest rates in 40 years. Syphilis control in t he United States traditionally emphasizes partner notification; however, it s role in elimination efforts remains undefined. Goal of the Study: To describe and compare outcome measures of partner noti fication during and after the epidemic. Study Design: Descriptive analysis of data obtained from interview records of patients with early syphilis in Louisiana during 1993 through 1996, Results: Of 12,927 patients with early syphilis, 3,245 (25%) were identifie d through partner notification. A total of 7,120 (55%) patients named at le ast 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 newl y identified as infected. No substantial differences were found between epi demic and postepidemic years. Conclusion: Partner notification is successful in identifying and treating a large number of infected persons, However, complementary strategies will be needed to eliminate syphilis.