Study is to characterise and analyse the increase and epidemiology syphilis in Latvia, to detect their causes, to show the ways for nerealising the situation.

Over the past eight years (1991-1998) the level of morbidity from syphilis in Latvia was exceedingly high ranging from 8 cases per 100000 inhabitants in 1991, 125 cases per 100000 persons in 1996 to 106 per 100000 in 1998.

In 1996, 3124 cases of syphilis were registered out of which 25 were cases of congenital syphilis, while in 1998 the figures were 2597 and 15 respectively. Among these a great number of non-characteristic, rare and atypical cases were stated.

Syphilis was diagnosed by finding T. palladium or by serological and immunofluorescence reactions (SED, RPR, VDRL, TPHA, IFR abs, IFR abs IgM; IFA).

Increase in morbidity has been observed in children under 4 and in young people 15-17 years of stage (124 cases). The index for congenital syphilis is frequently extragenital or atypical cases.

Conclusion. It is necessary to educate inhabitants, particularly young people, about STDs. All pregnant women should be examined for syphilis.