Syphilis has been on the rise over the past decade around the world, with a 219% increase in the United States.6 This has been a significant concern, particularly for mothers, given that syphilis has the potential for vertical transmission from mother to fetus.2 Once vertically transmitted, side effects include stillbirth, neonatal death, premature delivery, or severe disability for the infant.2 Despite the ease of treating this disease with a benzathine penicillin G injection, numerous obstacles hinder access to this treatment for individuals in low-income communities.4 Curious about the obstacles to accessing treatment in low-income communities, I dedicated 10 days to providing medical care, particularly in gynecology, to community members in Lima, Peru. In addition, seeking to understand the disparities in barriers between Peru and the United States, I volunteered at the Oxford Free Clinic, allowing me to compare and contrast my experiences in both settings. Following my immersion in each community I served, I identified both individual hurdles and systemic obstacles that impede low-income communities from accessing treatment. The main barrier that prevented both communities from receiving treatment as well as getting tested was the insurance status of the individual. Other barriers common in the United States and Peru that were identified were inadequate housing, transportation issues, and lack of sexual education sources. There have been a few preventative measures implemented already in these communities to address these barriers, such as at-home STI testing in the United States and Dual HIV/Syphilis screenings in Peru.5,7 However, despite the proposed interventions, Syphilis has continued to increase in prevalence. The obstacles in receiving treatment for Syphilis need to be addressed so pregnant women do not experience adverse effects on their health and the well-being of their fetus.
Author(s): Adela Wilson, Isabelle Turner, Jonathan Bauer, Ph.D
Advisor(s): Jonathan Bauer, Biology
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