This will be a randomized, multisite, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of cefixime (400mg orally, twice a day, for 10 days) compared to benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units, intramuscularly) in patients with and without HIV infection. In total, 400 participants with early syphilis will be enrolled from 9 clinical sites in the U.S. and Peru. Participants will participate in follow-ups to monitor clinical outcomes and serological response (RPR titer) every 3 months for 9 months. Study findings may identify an efficacious alternative syphilis treatment to penicillin, effective for people living with HIV infection, to help address the crisis of penicillin shortages and offer options for those with penicillin allergy.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cefixime compared to benzathine penicillin G in the treatment of syphilis.