Current Status and Control Issues of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in China 1999.2.4

Current Status and Control Issues of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in China 1999.2.4

Currently, sexually transmitted diseases in China are more prominent than before, with incidence rates rising annually and affected areas expanding year by year. In 1995, there were 3.6 million cases, with an incidence rate of 30 per 100,000, a 20% increase compared to 1990. Sexually transmitted diseases include syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, and fourth-type STDs, among others. The scope has expanded further to include non-gonococcal urethritis, genital warts, genital herpes, and AIDS. In 1991, the Ministry of Health issued regulations on the management of sexually transmitted diseases, stipulating that when AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, non-gonococcal urethritis, chancroid, genital herpes, or lymphogranuloma venereum are detected, they must be reported to the relevant STD prevention and control agencies. Syphilis and non-gonococcal urethritis have seen the fastest growth. The largest number of cases occurs among people aged 20–39, accounting for 83.1% of all STD cases; the number of cases among young girls is increasing year by year, and high-risk groups (prostitutes, clients, drug users, and those engaging in promiscuous sexual behavior) have significantly higher detection rates than the general population. Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, the former once caused trachoma, while the latter mainly causes lung infections. Since these pathogens are neither bacteria nor viruses, but rather cell-free entities, drugs that target cell wall synthesis, such as penicillin and cephalosporins, are ineffective. The preferred medications are erythromycin, tetracycline, josamycin, spiramycin... Macrolides are effective; recently, azithromycin has been recommended—one tablet daily for three consecutive days as a course of treatment—with reliable efficacy. Among traditional Chinese medicines, Huangjing Liucuo Tang has the most proven effectiveness. Non-gonococcal urethritis progresses rapidly and can directly infect the prostate, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, posing significant risks. There has been a case where a patient's kidneys atrophied, leading to chronic renal failure and ultimately death.