OBJECTIVE: To analyse the enhanced data for gonorrhoea cases in England and Wales collected by the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) to better inform health policy and targeted interventions. METHODS: GRASP data obtained annually from sentinel genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics between June to August during 2001-6 were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 12 282 cases of gonorrhoea were reported during the study period, with a decline over time primarily in heterosexual patients of black ethnicity. 73% of women, 47% of heterosexual men and 22% of men who have sex with men (MSM) were aged under 25. Most infected women reported a single sexual partner in the previous 3 months, whereas most heterosexual men and MSM reported two or more partners. A history of gonorrhoea was reported by 42% of MSM, 30% of heterosexual men and 20% of women. Excluding HIV, women were more likely than men to have a concurrent STI at diagnosis, most commonly chlamydia (50% vs 27% p<0.0005). Rectal gonococcal infections were reported in 35% and HIV co-infection in 31% of MSM. Compared to HIV negative MSM, those co-infected with HIV were older (median 35 years vs 28 years) and were more likely to attend a London site (70% vs 52%, p<0.0005); have a concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (28% vs 20%, p = 0.002); have a history of gonorrhoea (66% vs 36%, p<0.0005) and have more sexual partners (average 6.8 vs 4.3). CONCLUSION: Gonorrhoea is concentrated within specific groups who are at high risk of repeat infections and concurrent STIs including HIV. Targeted interventions of proved effectiveness are urgently required.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the enhanced data for gonorrhoea cases in England and Wales collected by the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) to better inform health policy and targeted interventions. METHODS: GRASP data obtained annually from sentinel genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics between June to August during 2001-6 were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 12 282 cases of gonorrhoea were reported during the study period, with a decline over time primarily in heterosexual patients of black ethnicity. 73% of women, 47% of heterosexual men and 22% of men who have sex with men (MSM) were aged under 25. Most infected women reported a single sexual partner in the previous 3 months, whereas most heterosexual men and MSM reported two or more partners. A history of gonorrhoea was reported by 42% of MSM, 30% of heterosexual men and 20% of women. Excluding HIV, women were more likely than men to have a concurrent STI at diagnosis, most commonly chlamydia (50% vs 27% p<0.0005). Rectal gonococcal infections were reported in 35% and HIV co-infection in 31% of MSM. Compared to HIV negative MSM, those co-infected with HIV were older (median 35 years vs 28 years) and were more likely to attend a London site (70% vs 52%, p<0.0005); have a concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (28% vs 20%, p = 0.002); have a history of gonorrhoea (66% vs 36%, p<0.0005) and have more sexual partners (average 6.8 vs 4.3). CONCLUSION:Gonorrhoea is concentrated within specific groups who are at high risk of repeat infections and concurrent STIs including HIV. Targeted interventions of proved effectiveness are urgently required.
Authors: A Kenfak-Foguena; Y Zarkik; M Wisard; V Praz; K E A Darling; K Jaton-Ogay; P Jichlinski; M Cavassini Journal: Infection Date: 2010-09-03 Impact factor: 3.553
Authors: Asuncion Diaz; Cesar Garriga; Jose Antonio Varela; Elisa Fernández; Isabel Sanz; Josep Boronat; Fuensanta Gual; Concepcion Colomo; Josefina López de Munain; Valentin Esteban; Maria Luisa Junquera; Blanca Martínez; Isabel Pueyo; Justo Suárez; Maria Jesus Barberá; Maider Arando; Jose Manuel Ureña; Mercedes Diez Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-11-25 Impact factor: 3.295