Increase in reported gonorrhoea cases in Sweden, 2001 - 2008
1Department of Epidemiology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (Smittskyddsinstitutet), Solna, Sweden. inga.velicko@smi.se
Summary
Gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection) cases rose 32% in Sweden between 2001-2008, primarily in men. Risky sexual behaviors are the likely cause, necessitating better tracking of transmission chains.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gonorrhoea incidence has significantly increased in Sweden and across Europe.
- The period 2001-2008 saw a 32% rise in reported gonorrhoea cases in Sweden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gonorrhoea trends in Sweden from 2001 to 2008.
- To identify demographic patterns and transmission routes of gonorrhoea infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of national gonorrhoea surveillance data.
- Evaluation of case demographics, infection acquisition locations, and sexual behaviors.
Main Results:
- Males accounted for up to 86% of cases, with heterosexual men being the largest subgroup.
- Heterosexually infected men frequently acquired gonorrhoea abroad (e.g., Thailand), unlike women and men who have sex with men, more often infected domestically.
- Increased risky sexual behaviors, including more partners and lower condom use, are implicated in the rise.
Conclusions:
- The surge in gonorrhoea is linked to evolving sexual behaviors in Sweden.
- Effective interventions require enhanced understanding of sexual transmission networks to curb the spread of gonorrhoea and other STIs.
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