Syphilis self-testing and implications for syphilis control and prevention.

Abstract

The incidence of syphilis has risen dramatically in many regions despite the availability of affordable facility-based testing and curative treatment. The recent approval of over-the-counter syphilis self-tests (SSTs) represents an important advance for expanding diagnostic access and disease control and prevention. Evidence demonstrates that SSTs are accurate, usable, and acceptable. However, as with HIV and COVID-19 self-testing, implementation challenges remain, including ensuring equitable access, supporting vulnerable groups, securing linkage to care, and maintaining quality assurance.