Linezolid for Syphilis Pilot Study

This will be a randomized, open-label, non-comparative, pilot trial to evaluate the efficacy of linezolid 600mg orally, twice a day, for ten days, using a contemporaneous historical control group benzathine penicillin G (single dose of 2.4 million units) in participants with and without HIV infection. In total, 24 participants will be enrolled across multiple clinical sites in the United States. Participants will participate in follow-ups to monitor clinical outcomes and serological response (RPR titer) at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. A 5 and 10-day phone call will ensure adherence to treatment and evaluate safety. Study findings may identify an efficacious alternative syphilis treatment to penicillin that is effective for people living with HIV. Study findings may also help address the crisis of penicillin shortages, difficulty in administration, and offer options for those with penicillin allergy.