Grant: Op. Grant: STBBI Research in Canada: Beyond HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C-Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bloodborne infection (STBBI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (TPA). Recent years have seen an unprecedented increase in global syphilis rates, including Canada. Our study will make use of public health genomic surveillance and epidemiology to understand the genomic diversity of Syphilis in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in comparison to globally circulating strains. The identification of syphilis clusters in the prairie provinces and how they relate to specific demographics such as age, sex, and location will allow public health officials to identify key areas for targeted intervention, having an immediate impact on the current syphilis epidemic. In addition, or study will make use of the genomic data collected to design a multivalent vaccine for Syphilis. On a local and global scale, the development of a Syphilis vaccine would have considerable impact on reducing Syphilis morbidity and mortality, simultaneously lowering other sexually transmitted infections like HIV.