Surveillance of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in Primary Care, Metropolitan France, 2020–2022

Introduction – An increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been observed in France for several years. This article quantifies and describes three bacterial STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis [CT] infections, gonorrhea, and syphilis) treated in primary care settings in metropolitan France. Method – General practitioners in the Sentinelles network report and describe the number of cases of these three STIs each week, which are biologically confirmed and seen in clinical practice. The analyses focused on cases reported between 2020 and 2022. An estimate of incidence rates and a description of the cases are presented. Results – In 2022, the incidence rate of Ct infections was 102 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: [89–114]), representing a 16% increase compared to 2020. The incidence rate for gonorrhea was 44 per 100,000 [36–52], representing a 91% increase compared to 2020, and that for syphilis was 21 per 100,000 [15–27], representing a 110% increase compared to 2020. The proportion of screenings relative to diagnoses of symptomatic cases increased between 2020 and 2022 (32.0% vs. 50.0% for syphilis, 18.4% vs. 35.3% for gonorrhea, and 47.0% vs. 57.2% for Ct infections). Compared to those with Ct infections, patients with gonorrhea or syphilis had more sexual partners, a higher history of STIs, more HIV co-infections, and were more likely to be taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Conclusion – Diagnoses of bacterial STIs have been on the rise in primary care since 2020. Combined STI screening (HIV, bacterial STIs, hepatitis B and C) for patients and their partners should be widely offered.

Author(s): Niaré Daouda, Launay Titouan, Rossignol Louise, Lot Florence, Steichen Olivier, Dupin Nicolas, Bébéar Cécile, Berçot Béatrice, Hanslik Thomas, Ndeikoundam Ngangro Ndeindo, Blanchon Thierry, Chazelle Émilie

Publishing year: 2023

Pages: 515-525

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2023, n° 24-25, p. 515-525

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