HIV and syphilis in young Chinese adults

The study was carried-out to explore the epidemiology of HIV and syphilis in young Chinese adults. It was carried-out in six areas of three Chinese provinces: Zhejiang, Yunnan and Shaanxi. All couples attending the compulsory premarital examination were recruited. Routinely-taken blood was tested for HIV and syphilis using modified particle agglutination techniques. A total of 17226 individuals were tested. There were no HIV infections in Zhejiang or Shaanxi. In Yunnan there were 28 (0.75%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.1) with 22 (78%) in men and 16 (57%) in known high-risk individuals. Syphilis prevalence ranged from 0.33% to 0.71% across sites, with 58% in men. We conclude that although syphilis levels suggest unsafe sexual activity is occurring in all areas, HIV is not yet affecting the general population of Zhejiang or Shaanxi.