Magic bullets need accurate guns--syphilis eradication, elimination, and control.

When cases of early syphilis are treated promptly, the spread of the bacteria within a population is interrupted. However, if complacency is induced by successful control, then upsurges in syphilis incidence can occur. The methods and aims of syphilis control in industrialised countries are reviewed in the light of the potential for regional elimination and global eradication programmes. While the medical means to eliminate syphilis are at hand, acceptable means for finding and treating cases that transmit infection need to be developed, particularly in the marginalized communities with limited access to care.