Burden of syphilis infections in Shenzhen, China: a preliminary estimation

Abstract

Information on the prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections is important for developing prevention and control strategies and allocating human and financial resources. However, there are no available estimates of such information for many areas in China. In this study, we used the existing data to make a preliminary estimation of syphilis infections in Shenzhen city, in south-eastern China. Data on prevalence rates of syphilis infections among different populations were obtained from the local HIV/sexually transmitted disease second-generation surveillance programme, and the sizes of different populations were estimated based on the most recently available figures. It was estimated that 83,760 (range 77,490-90,020) people are currently infected with syphilis, giving a prevalence of 0.71-0.82% (0.76% on average) in Shenzhen. Around 18% of these syphilis infections occur among men who have sex with men and another 15.8% and 8.7% occur among female sex workers and their clients, respectively. These estimates suggest that a combination of unprotected paid sex and sex between men may be sustaining the epidemic of syphilis in the study area. The preliminary estimates will assist the government in planning and improving its comprehensive intervention programmes for the future control and prevention of syphilis.

High prevalence of syphilis among street-based female sex workers in Nanchang, China

“…[202223243334] The data we collected in this study may explain the serious epidemic syphilis among street-based FSWs. First, the education level of most street-based FSWs was lower than high school.…”

“…Moreover, street-based FSWs had to solicit more clients because of their low sex charge. Given that syphilis in clients of FSWs is not rare,[24] we suggest that street-based FSWs with more clients and longer experience of selling sex would be more vulnerable to syphilis. Third, inconsistent condom use during sex with clients in our survey was common.…”

“…[19] Studies showed that the prevalence rate of syphilis among FSWs ranges from 9.5% to 15.8% in China. [2021222324] With the expansion of HIV/STIs epidemic in China, trends among specific at-risk populations should be assessed.…”

The spatial context of clinic-reported sexually transmitted infection in Hong Kong

“…The yearly incidence of syphilis is less than 15 per 100,000 populations. The situation is unlikely to be a static one as across the border in the city of Shenzhen, the population prevalence of syphilis was high at 0.76% [10]. Assessment of STI cases drawn from public clinics opens up a window of opportunity to assess their spatial pattern, which may improve our characterization of infected patients to better inform control intervention.…”

Prioritizing Congenital Syphilis Control in South China: A Decision Analytic Model to Inform Policy Implementation

“…The program provided free syphilis screening, treatment, and follow-up for all pregnant women. Demographic data, prenatal screening coverage, syphilis prevalence and incidence rates, and treatment completion rates that were specific to Shenzhen were inputted into the decision analytic model [8],[10],[13],[14]. Data used for validation of the model consisted of a subset of the original data that was not used for producing policy parameter estimates.…”