[Seroprevalence of syphilis in urban and semi-rural populations of Gabon].

The seroprevalence of syphilis was studied in an urban and a semi-rural community in Gabon by a cluster sampling technique. The crude prevalence rate of treponemal infection in the semi-rural population was estimated to be 13.3 +/- 5.0% and in the urban population 19.4 +/- 4.6%. The age-adjusted prevalence rate was significantly higher in the urban than in the semi-rural population. In both areas, it was significantly higher in men than in women. No significant difference was observed according to age. These high rates indicate the need for a control program for sexually transmitted diseases.