ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological trends of the secondary and latent syphilis among women of childbearing age （15-49 years old） in Guangdong Province of China from 2005 to 2010.MethodsData collected from China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention were analyzed statistically.Results(1) Epidemiological trend: The incidence of latent syphilis among women of childbearing age  in Guangdong Province of China increased  from 17.37/100 000 (3 300 patients) in 2005 to 49.79/100 000 (10 100 patients)  in 2010, with an average annual increase rate of 24.55% (χ2=4.85, P=0.028);the epidemiological trend of secondary syphilis slightly declined with an average annual increase rate of -2.42% (χ2=3.31, P=0.069).  (2) Age distribution: A higher incidence was found among women aged 25-35 years old, which was up to 85.45/100 000 -98.75/100 000. (3) Proportions of reports by different medical institutions: General hospitals accounted for 60.86%, followed by maternal and children health hospitals (14.26%), institutes of skin disease prevention (10.32%), and primary care institutes including hygiene stations and community health service centers (1.66%). ConclusionSlightly decreased incidence of secondary syphilis and rapid increase in latent syphilis among women of childbearing ages called for greater efforts in screening syphilis and raised capacity of screening at primary care institutes. Such endeavors will contribute to the control of the increasing incidence of syphilis among those women and mothertochild transmission of syphilis.

women of childbearing age; syphilis; secondary syphilis; latent syphilis;epidemiological trend; sexually transmitted diseases