One of the main risk factors for both HIV-infection and syphilis is addictive behavior.

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of addictions on the HIV and syphilis coinfection.

Sixty-five HIV-infected patients with syphilis were examined by a clinical method.

The sample included 45 men (average age 32.09 ± 9.83) and 20 women (average age 31.7 ± 5.97). All patients were characterized by risky behavior. Seventy-one percent of men belonged to the category of men who have sex with men (MSM). Eighty-five percent of women had drug dependence (as compared to 61% for men who have sex with women (MSW) and 19% for МSМ; P < 0.05). Women were more likely to have opiate dependence (P < 0.001; as compared to men). We revealed a high incidence of drug addiction and alcoholism with the prevalence of dependence on opioids (F11; 55.0%; 7.7%), polysubstance use (F19; 25.0%; 23.1%) and alcoholism (F10; 50.0%; 61.25%) among women and MSW respectively (P < 0.05 as compared to MSM). Only 50% of women and 23% of MSW were in remission. MSM regularly consumed stimulants and cannabinoids without developing dependence.

Injecting drug use is typical of women and MSW and plays a leading role in the risk factors for HIV infection and syphilis. Addictive behavior among MSM increases risky sexual behavior and thus influences infection with HIV and syphilis.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.