Cases of syphilis — a sexually transmitted disease once nearly eliminated in the U.S. — are increasing. A shortage of penicillin — which is typically used to treat syphilis — was reported by pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer in April, and this shortage has elicited concern from some medical experts, according to NPR.
Regarding the increased rates of syphilis infection and the penicillin shortage, Sarah Kidd, MD, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC's Division of STD Prevention, told NPR, "It is becoming a more common infection...and because this is the preferred regimen for treatment for syphilis, it really is a critical problem for syphilis control."
According to Dr. Kidd, the trend of increasing syphilis infections began in 2000. In 2014, there were 20,000 cases of syphilis. Preliminary data suggests a continued climb in 2015.
The shortage could prove especially problematic for pregnant women. The rate of infants born with syphilis are on the rise, and in 2014, approximately 500 babies were born with the infection in the U.S., according to NPR. During pregnancy, the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects. The CDC has requested that healthcare providers save Pfizer's penicillin product — Bicillin L-A — for people infected with syphilis, especially pregnant women.
The good news is the drug shortage is expected to be a short-term problem. According to NPR, Pfizer has reported that the supply of the drug should return to normal levels this July.
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