The research shows a link between drug use and syphilis infections among women and heterosexual men. For these groups, use of methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs more than doubled between 2013-17.
While gay men demonstrate the highest rates of syphilis, they did not report similar increases in drug use.
Researchers noted people who use drugs are more likely to practice unsafe sexual behaviors, thereby putting them at greater risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
“I think it’s impossible to eradicate syphilis and congenital syphilis unless we are simultaneously addressing the meth-use and IV-use epidemic,” Sara Kennedy, MD, medical director of Planned Parenthood Northern California, told KHN.
More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
Clinical app use can improve heart disease care, study finds
OCD drug may help treat sepsis, study finds
Flu vaccine offering moderate protection this season, CDC says
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
