Gonorrhoea Statistics in Australia
Gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a growing concern in many parts of the world, including Australia. Regular surveillance and reporting are essential to understanding the current landscape of STIs and to direct public health initiatives accordingly.
Prevalence and Trends:
In the past few decades, Australia has seen fluctuating rates of gonorrhoea. The Kirby Institute's annual surveillance reports on STIs provide valuable insights into the state of gonorrhoea in Australia. According to their 2019 report, there were 28,034 diagnoses of gonorrhoea, representing a rate of 113 cases per 100,000 people. This figure marked an increase of 7% from the previous year. Notably, the rate of gonorrhoea had more than doubled over the past decade ([1]).
Geographical Variations:
There are significant variations in gonorrhoea rates across different parts of Australia. For instance, remote and very remote regions of the country, particularly in the Northern Territory, have historically shown higher rates. These areas recorded rates over ten times higher than those in metropolitan areas in 2019 ([1]).
Differences Among Populations:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and young indigenous Australians are particularly affected. The incidence of gonorrhoea among MSM has been on the rise in major cities, with a pronounced increase in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Concurrently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been disproportionately affected. In 2019, the rate of diagnosis in this group was almost ten times higher than in non-Indigenous Australians ([1]).
Gender Disparities:
Historically, more cases of gonorrhoea were diagnosed in men than in women in Australia. This could be attributed, in part, to the higher rates among MSM. However, it's worth noting that there has been a concerning rise in diagnoses among women as well. Between 2014 and 2019, the notification rate for females increased by 43% ([1]).
Co-infections and Complications:
A notable concern regarding gonorrhoea is its potential for co-infections, especially with other STIs like chlamydia. The presence of one STI can make an individual more susceptible to others, and the Kirby Institute's data suggests that many individuals with gonorrhoea also have concurrent STIs ([1]).
Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health challenge. In Australia, there have been sporadic reports of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
Conclusion:
Gonorrhoea continues to be a significant public health issue in Australia, with rising rates, especially among specific population groups. These statistics call for enhanced public health initiatives, including improved sexual health education, accessible testing and treatment services, and ongoing research into more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
References:
[1] The Kirby Institute. (2020). Annual Surveillance Report of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs. The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney.
Note: While the above statistics and references are based on available data up to 2021, it's essential to consult the latest reports and research to get the most up-to-date figures and trends related to gonorrhoea in Australia.