Field evaluation and implementation of a rapid diagnostic test for the diagnosis of syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS

Syphilis remains a public health concern, especially in people living with HIV (PLWHA), despite the existence of effective treatment. Severe forms of syphilis are more frequent in this population. PLWHA must be screened for syphilis as an integral part of their care, but coverage is suboptimal and the current diagnostic approach for syphilis in Colombia relies on at least two subsequent laboratory tests requiring several visits to the clinic, hindering prompt and timely treatment. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for syphilis do not require laboratory facilities and can be performed at the point of care which shortens the time to treatment, as demonstrated in antenatal care programmes. 

This project will evaluate the diagnostic performance of RDTs for syphilis in PLWHA and then test their impact on the care of patients with HIV.