Comparative Analysis of Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics Between Mpox Cases with and Without HIV - China, 2023.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and clinical symptoms of mpox cases with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reported in China in 2023, providing evidence for coordinated prevention and control strategies for both infections.

Method: All confirmed mpox cases reported in 2023 were extracted from China's Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Data were collected from the surveillance system and epidemiological investigations. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0, with group comparisons conducted using t-tests and chi-square tests.

Results: Among 1,712 confirmed mpox cases in China during 2023, 802 (46.8%) were people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Of the 1,702 male cases, 97.3% of PWH and 91.1% of those without HIV self-identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Age distribution showed 79.4% of PWH and 87.6% of those without HIV were under 40 years old, while 64.2% of PWH and 71.3% of those without HIV were reported from eastern regions. Cardinal symptoms at diagnosis occurred at similar rates between those with and without HIV, including rash (90.9% vs. 93.4%), fever (52.5% vs. 53.8%), and lymphadenopathy (23.8% vs. 25.4%). Among coinfected cases, individuals diagnosed with HIV after mpox or within one year before mpox demonstrated higher rates of immunodeficiency and lower rates of HIV viral suppression.

Conclusion: Male mpox cases with HIV was more likely to be MSM, older, and reported from central and western regions compared to those without HIV. No significant differences were observed in cardinal symptom occurrence between groups. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing integrated prevention strategies targeting both HIV and mpox, particularly among key populations.