SCARS OF VENUS: THE STORY OF SYPHILIS -- PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Closed

Syphilis is back.  This malady -- passed along by physical intimacy -- is again on the rise, its increase accelerated by peer pressure, demographics, changing sexual practices, social networking and electronic chatter.  In a burst of pre-millennial optimism, the US Public Health Service in 1999 declared war on syphilis, launching a program designed to eliminate the disease in this country by 2010.  Instead, new syphilis cases have increased annually over the past ten years.

This old venereal scourge, potentially fatal when untreated, was supposed to have been eradicated with the introduction of antibiotics back in the 1940s.  So, why is syphilis still around?  Why are new cases rising in this country while HIV infections have leveled off?  Who is at risk – rich or poor, black or white, male or female, young or old, homosexual or heterosexual?  What are the prospects for syphilis control in the future?  What are the best-case and worst-case scenarios?

In pursuit of answers, we will review highlights of the past 500 years of syphilis history, sharing knowledge and experiences in a series of eight two-hour meetings, concluding with an informed look into the future.  There are no required readings -- all scientific, medical and public health-related information essential for group discussion will be the responsibility of the course leader to convey.

Session 1.  In the Land of Pain: The Natural History of Syphilis

Session 2.  Fornication:  The Devil Made Me Do It!

Session 4.  An Hour with Venus and a Lifetime with Mercury: Desperate Cures

Session 5.  A Shadow on the Land:  The Anti-VD Wars

Session 6.  Deliverance:  Antibiotics and the Eradication of Infection

Session 7.  La Ronde:  Networks of Infection

Session 8.  Syphilis in the 21^st Century:  Sex, Sin and Science

During this survey there will be occasions when we may consider the impact of syphilis on artists, musicians and writers – the list of recommended outside resources incorporates literary, artistic, and pop culture materials only.    These extracurricular items are designed to add depth and breadth to participants’ personal learning experiences – they are not required for class participation.  

         Leader: Gilbert Honigfeld was clinical research director for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and former faculty member at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.