Surveillance for human immunodeficiency virus infection in population at high risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Yunnan, 2017−2022

  Objective  To understand the infection status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in female sex workers (FSWs) and male patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and influencing factors in Yunnan province during 2017−2022.

  Methods  A cross-sectional study was used in HIV sentinel surveillance in FSWs and male STD patients, and HIV-positive samples were tested for recent infections by LAg–Avidity enzyme immunoassay. The recent HIV infection rate was calculated according to the recommended general formula.

  Results  A total 64 058 HIV tests were conducted in FSWs in sentinel surveillance in Yunnan during this period, and the HIV positive rate ranged from 0.36% to 0.89%, showing an overall downward trend (trend χ²=27.024, P<0.001), and the recent HIV infection rate ranged from 0.05% to 0.27%, showing no obvious linear change trend (r=0.090, P=0.865). A total of 31 642 HIV tests were conducted in male STD patients in sentinel STD clinics in Yunnan during this period, and the HIV positive rate ranged from 0.53% to 1.00%, showing no linear change trend (trend χ²=3.076, P=0.079). And the recent HIV infection rate ranged from 0.20% to 0.31%, showing no linear change trend (r=−0.558, P=0.208).

  Conclusion  The infection rate and recent infection rate of HIV remained low in FSWs and male STD patients in Yunnan. Continuous surveillance for recent infection of HIV is important for the assessment of acquired Immune deficiency syndrome epidemic in Yunnan.