Epidemiological analysis of syphilis from 2009 to 2018 in Qingpu District, Shanghai

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological features of syphilis in Qingpu District for developing control strategies.

MethodsThe data of syphilis cases(2009-2018)were collected and analyzed.

ResultsThe reported syphilis incidence decreased from 27.17/10⁵ in 2009 to 24.69/10⁵ in 2018. The ratio of secondary syphilis declined from 64.98% in 2009 to 57.14% in 2018, while that of latent syphilis increased from 23.74% in 2009 to 32.89% in 2018. The incidence of syphilis was higher in males than in females, and the average male/female ratio increased from 1.01:1 in 2009 to 1.51:1 in 2018. The incidence of syphilis was the highest in the age group of 20-59 years, but the constituent ratio increased in the aged group(≥ 60 year). The cases were mainly in the local household register, but the composition ratio showed a downward trend from 81.71% in 2009 to 59.14% in 2018. The main source of cases was STD outpatients. It decreased from 89.11% in 2009 to 46.51% in 2018, and the proportion of inpatients and other outpatients increased from 8.56% in 2009 to 50.49% in 2018.

ConclusionThe incidence of syphilis shows a decreasing trend. The incidence of reported secondary syphilis has decreased in general but increased rapidly in older patients. More measures are urgently in need to control epidemic syphilis effectively.