An analysis of the characteristics of syphilis epidemic in Guangzhou from 2000 to 2011

Objective To analyze the tendency and features of syphilis epidemics in Guangzhou between 2000 and 2011,and to provide evidence for formulating preventive measures.Methods Syphilis related data in Guangzhou were collected from the sexual transmitted disease(STD) epidemic reporting system(2000-2003)and the CDC infectious cases reporting system(2004-2011),Annual reported incidence of syphilis and demographic characteristics of the syphilitic patients were analyzed.Results The reported incidence of syphilis was increasing from 2000 to 2011.It was 104.61/100 000 in 2011,1.51 times higher than that in 2000.The prevalence rate of early and secondary syphilis decreased by 5.28% annually during this period,but that of latent syphilis,congenital syphilis and late syphilis increased annually on average by 21.56%,18.34% and 35.59%,respectively in the same period.Of those reported in 2011,only 39.37% were diagnosed by clinicians in STI departments of different hospitals and the other 60.63% were detected by clinical screening of pre-operation,HIV counseling and testing(VCT)as well as specific examination.The analysis showed that people infected with syphilis were characterized with low-income,lower educational background,sex-active age and being older than 60.Conclusion Structural changes occur in syphilis epidemics.Latent syphilis and congenital syphilis increase annually,while early syphilis decreases gradually.Strengthened syphilis screening and epidemic management,prevention of syphilis infection from mother to baby and health education targeting high risk population represent the focus of syphilis control at present.