Epidemiology of gonorrhoea: a global perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Understanding gonorrhoea epidemiology is vital for local control and international policy development.
• Global gonorrhoea rates are increasing, posing a significant public health challenge.
• The World Health Organization estimated 87 million new gonococcal infections in 2016.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current multinational epidemiology of gonorrhoea.
• To identify populations disproportionately affected by gonorrhoea.
• To highlight critical gaps in current gonorrhoea epidemiological knowledge.

Main Methods:

• International review of current gonorrhoea epidemiology.
• Focus on selected high-risk populations.
• Analysis of data concerning gonorrhoea spread and resistance.

Main Results:

• Gonorrhoea rates are increasing globally.
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations, and sex workers face higher burdens.
• International travel facilitates the spread of gonorrhoea, including drug-resistant strains.

Conclusions:

• Urgent action is needed to address the rising international threat of gonorrhoea.
• Further research is required on gonorrhoea in transgender populations and extragenital infections.
• Data-driven strategies are essential for gonorrhoea prevention and control worldwide.