Comparing treatments for early syphilis in people living with HIV

Comparisons of Treatment Responses of Early Syphilis to 2.4 Milliunits (MU) Single-dose Benzathine Penicillin G With or Without Doxycycline in People Living With HIV

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06069141

This study is testing if combining benzathine penicillin G with doxycycline works better than just benzathine penicillin G alone to treat early syphilis in adults living with HIV.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment688 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Hsinchu, Taiwan and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06069141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of benzathine penicillin G combined with doxycycline versus benzathine penicillin G alone in treating early syphilis among adults living with HIV. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment and will be monitored for serologic and microbiologic responses over a period of 48 weeks. The primary outcome is a significant decline in rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer, while secondary outcomes include the assessment of other sexually transmitted infections. The study is set to take place from 2023 to 2025.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are living with HIV and have been newly diagnosed with early syphilis.

Not a fit: Patients who have a history of intolerance to penicillin or doxycycline, or those who are pregnant, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment regimen for early syphilis in individuals living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with similar antibiotic combinations for treating syphilis, but this specific approach is being evaluated for the first time in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People living with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥18 years with early syphilis
* Confirmed by a positive RPR titer with a reactive TPPA assay

Exclusion Criteria:

* PWH with RPR titers of \<4
* Exposure to antibiotics with activity against T. pallidum within the preceding 4 weeks (penicillin, 3rd cephalosporin, doxycycline, macrolides)
* A known or suspected infection requiring additional treatment with an antimicrobial active against T. pallidum (penicillin, 3rd cephalosporin, doxycycline, macrolides)
* Testing positive for C. trachomatis and M. genitalium, for which doxycycline or macrolide was administered
* A history of intolerance to penicillin or doxycycline
* PLWH have already participated in this study
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Hsinchu, Taiwan and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Early Syphilis, Latent, Serological Relapse After Treatmentsyphilisrapid plasma reagin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.