(P427) Syphilis Rapid Tests Used During a Localized Syphilis Outbreak in a Rural Public Health Setting

Background: In West Virginia (WV), syphilis trends have shifted since 2018 to people who use drugs (PWUD). In early 2022, the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department (MOVHD) declared a syphilis outbreak amongst PWUD in Parkersburg, WV. Given the challenges PWUD have accessing medical care, such as homelessness and poor transportation access, MOVHD partnered with the WV STD Program to offer syphilis screening events using the Syphilis Health Check (SHC) rapid test, with blood draws for confirmatory testing.




Methods: Two testing events were held at different venues in Parkersburg, WV. Intake forms were used to search the STD surveillance system and identify patients with previous syphilis history. Participants were asked to complete an SHC rapid test and a blood draw for further laboratory testing. Blood specimens were sent to the state public health laboratory to perform the traditional syphilis algorithm. All participants were counseled, and rapid positive patients were offered immediate treatment and interviewed by a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS).




Results: Of 72 participants seen at the two events, 62 completed testing. A total of 57 patients (92%) had concordant results between their SHC rapid test and RPR, 6 positive and 51 negative. There were 5 participants (8%) with discordant results, with 2 who had a false negative SHC, 2 with a false positive SHC. The final discordant result had a positive SHC and a negative RPR, but had a history of syphilis. Due to rapid test results and DIS intervention, four participants were immediately treated and interviewed for partner services.




Conclusions: In this outbreak setting, the SHC rapid test was vital for identifying syphilis cases for immediate intervention. Using surveillance data to assess syphilis history, rapid testing allowed for on-site treatment and prevented further transmission amongst this high-risk population that has historically been difficult to reach for follow-up.