A survey on the prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis infection and characteristics of sexual behaviors in MSM (men who have sex with men) living in Shanghai

Objective To understand the prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis infection and characteristics of sexual behaviors in MSM(men who have sex with men)living in Shanghai.Methods Epidemiological survey information was collected from 203 MSM by trained interviewers under the help of MSM volunteers.After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were taken for HIV-1 antibody tests and syphilis tests.Results Nine(4.4%)and twenty-one(10.3%)of the MSM were infected with HIV-1 and syphilis,respectively.Eighty-eight(43.3 %)also had sex with women.The rate of condom use was higher when having sexual behavior with casual sexual partners than with regular male partners.Infection of HIV-1 and syphilis had close correlation with educational background and number of sexual partners.Conclusions The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis is relatively high in MSM living in Shanghai.Intensive education on prevention of sexual transmitted disease and comprehensive behavioral interferences are urgently needed for the prevention of spreading of HIV-1 and syphilis in MSM.