Extended surveillance of gonorrhoea in Scotland 2003

Abstract

In 2003, a national surveillance of demographic, behavioural, clinical and laboratory data on gonorrhoea at genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in Scotland was undertaken. The data-set represented 77% of all gonorrhoea cases. Findings were compared with data reported from England and Wales. Young women (16–19 years) and young men (20–24. years) represented the greatest proportion of heterosexual infections in Scotland (36 and 30%, respectively) and in England and Wales (37 and 32%, respectively). In Scotland (relative to England and Wales), men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for more of the total gonorrhoea; there were more heterosexuals aged 45+ years; fewer belonged to ethnic minorities; fewer had had gonorrhoea previously; more heterosexual men had a sexual partner abroad; ciprofloxacin resistance was higher. During the year, first-line therapy changed from ciprofloxacin to a third-generation cephalosporin. Extended surveillance for gonorrhoea is vital in guiding appropriately targeted interventions as the epidemiology of gonorrhoea may differ in neighbouring countries.