Study of Once-Daily 200mg Doxycycline to Treat Early Syphilis for 14 Days

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether taking doxycycline as a single daily dose of 200mg for 14 days is an effective treatment for early-stage syphilis. This differs from the usual treatment of doxycycline given twice daily at 100mg. The study aims to determine treatment success based on clinical improvement and blood test results within 6 months. The trial includes an open-label prospective cohort of 15 participants with early syphilis and compares outcomes to retrospective data of standard treatments. Participants diagnosed with early syphilis will take doxycycline 200mg once daily for 14 days. During this treatment period, they will collect oral and rectal swabs every other day, which will be sent by mail for testing. Participants will also complete two brief online surveys during these two weeks. Follow-up visits will occur at 3 and possibly 6 months for interviews and blood tests to assess treatment response. Throughout the study, participants will provide multiple samples and complete surveys to monitor the presence of syphilis bacteria and treatment effects. Blood tests will check for a fourfold decrease in syphilis activity at 3 and 6 months. Those showing improvement at 3 months may skip the 6-month visit. The main outcome measured is combined clinical and serological response after six months. The total study duration for participants is up to 6 months, with ongoing monitoring and comparison to standard treatment outcomes.

Daily Doxycycline for Early Syphillis