Ocular syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We diagnosed ocular syphilis in three homosexual men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ocular inflammation included uveitis, optic neuritis, and retinitis. Dermatologic and central nervous system manifestations of secondary syphilis were also present. The history of homosexuality was difficult to obtain. Concomitant infection with HIV may alter the course of syphilis, obscure the diagnosis, and impair the response to therapy.