Syphilis in China

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Introduction

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Description of Syphilis

Description of the microbe

Include a link if there is an existing microbewiki page. Ex. Salmonella typhi

Transmission of disease

How is it transmitted? Is there a vector (animal/insect)?

Prevention

Why is this disease a problem in China

Large number of migrant workers in China Increasing prostitution More extramarital sex Low condom use Lack of health care avaiability for everyone Deter people from getting tests done early and having subsequent treatment Chinese society conservative Little open discussion about sex at any level Inhibits exchange of information at all levels Within families Sexual relationships Campaigns in schools & universities Media Chinese adults had no exposure to syphilis for decades Left population with low immunity Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6253807.stm Overall: The symptons of syphilis can be wide ranging, often bieing confused with other conditions, and may also be asymptomatic, making diagnosis a particular challenge (Hesketh).

Do lifestyle/environment/economics/political issues play a role?

What is being done to address this problem

Include anything being done by the local government or groups as well as efforts by non-local groups.

What else could be done to address this problem

Are there solutions that could be successful but haven't been implemented due to political or economic reasons? Are there successful efforts in other countries? Are there reasons why these efforts may or may not be successful in the country you've focused on? etc. etc.


In 1949, China experienced one of the worst syphilis epidemics, estimating that 5% of the population is large cities carried the disease. As the Communist party took power, free treatment and screening was offered for the disease. The Communist party cracked down on prostitution as well, which results in a near elimination of syphilis [1]. Recent data has shown that the rate of syphilis has jumped from 0.2 cases per 100,000 people in 1993 to 5.7 per 100,000 in 2005. In even larger cities, such as Shanghai, the rate is estimated to be as high as 55 cases per 100,000 people [1]. Congenital syphilis cases, in which the disease is passed on through the mother to a newborn, are estimated to be about 3,400 a year [1][2]. Many factors contribute to the high surge of the disease. One important factor that contributes to recent outbreaks is the fact that more people are moving to larger cities for work, resulting in an increase in demand for prostitutes with low use of protection [1]. Another is the lack of use of protection among homosexual males [2]. Premarital sex has become more acceptable within Chinese culture, resulting in larger outbreaks. There are also less adult screening programs for syphilis [1]. A natural development of immunity towards syphilis is possible. However, due to the near elimination of syphilis by the Communist party in the 1950’s, the unexposed Chinese population lacks this natural immunity, making them more susceptible to the disease [1]. Treating the disease in China is not a scientific problem, but a socio-political problem. China remains one of the most conservative countries in the world. As a result, topics of sexual intercourse are generally taboo, as well as sexually transmitted diseases [2]. To combat the vast increase within the past decade, China should promote sex education, as well as the use of protection. New adult screening programs should be established and antibiotics should be made easily available by the government to deal with the syphilis outbreak [1], as it did in 1949.


References:

[1]. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10940 [2]. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/90014

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by [insert your names here!], students of Rachel Larsen



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