The development of syphilis cures profoundly shaped disease discourses and health promotion materials such as posters (above).
The left poster contrasts the ancient history of syphilis with its modern curability.1 The right poster highlights the effectiveness of the new cure, promising favourable outcomes for those who are cured and further disability for those who are not cured.2 The new curability of syphilis may have expanded testing as an entry point to cure.
Acknowledgments
Funding US National Institutes of Health (NIAID R01A108366-01, NIAID P30-AI50410) and Brocher Foundation.
Footnotes
Contributors MEG and JDT identified the posters, drafted the text and approved the final manuscript.
Competing interests None.
REFERENCES
- 1.Library of Congress. [accessed 31 Aug 2014];As old as creation Syphilis is now curable: consult your physician. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/98516350/
- 2.National Archives. [accessed 31 Aug 2014];Both of these men had syphilis. http://research.archives.gov/description/513979.