Syphilis Screening and Treating

Resources to aid in clinical diagnosis, interpreting tests, and screening and treatment guidelines.

On this page:
Aid to Diagnosis
Screening and Treatment
Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) Shortage
 

Aid to Diagnosis

• Clinical Interpretation of Syphilis Screening Algorithms (California Prevention Training Center)
  Guidance on interpretation of the traditional screening algorithm and reverse screening algorithm
• Syphilis: Aid to Diagnosis 
  These images are intended to help health care professionals identify and diagnose syphilis. We do not suggest proceeding unless you are a health care professional who needs to see such images. 

Screening and Treatment

• Syphilis Screening Recommendations for Nonpregnant People (PDF) 
  Current MDH syphilis screening recommendations, considerations, and FAQs for nonpregnant people.
• CDC: STI Treatment Guidelines 
  Guidelines for treatment of people who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted infections. The STI Treatment Guidelines are also available as a mobile app for download on both Apple and Android. Check out your device's app store for more information.
• Clinical Training Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Quick Reference Guide for Syphilis Treatment (PDF)
  Quick reference for treatment of early syphilis (primary, secondary, early latent) and late syphilis (latent and tertiary), including treatment of neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, or otosyphilis. 

Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) Shortage

There has been a recall of specific lots of Bicillin® L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension) and CDC anticipates a limited supply moving forward. Recalled lots can be found at Pfizer: Bicillin Recall Letter (PDF). Health care facilities and providers should assess inventory and prioritize Bicillin® L-A for pregnant patients, babies with congenital syphilis recommended to receive Bicillin, and those with doxycycline allergy.

MDH developed updated recommendations in partnership with health care providers across the state and the regional health care coalitions. This information is meant to guide providers on expanding access to bicillin as supply increases in the state.

Additional information and recommendations can be found at Bicillin L-A® Recall and Anticipated Shortage (PDF) and on the CDC: Bicillin® L-A webpage.