A definitive 14-year longitudinal analysis of China’s HIV population has established syphilis as the leading sexually transmitted infection among people living with HIV. The study of 47,892 patients across 15 provinces found that 45.2% experienced syphilis co-infection, followed closely by human papillomavirus at 38.1%.
Dr. Wei Chen, principal investigator at the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, emphasized that persistent syphilis co-infection represents a critical challenge for HIV care programs. The research employed systematic STI screening during HIV care enrollment and routine follow-up visits, providing unprecedented epidemiological clarity on co-infection patterns.
These findings align with global health observations in similar populations, confirming that syphilis control remains essential within HIV management strategies. The data indicates that integrated screening and treatment protocols are vital components of comprehensive HIV care delivery.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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