SHINE SA, Posted on November 25, 2021 An ongoing infectious syphilis outbreak has spread across Australia’s states and territories leading to an endemic level in some areas. The outbreak was first reported among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural and remote northern Australia in 2011. Clinicians are now encouraged to have a high clinical suspicion for syphilis in all population...
Experts are worried more STIs are going round undetected because of COVID
ABC News, 28th April 2021 The initial stats were looking good: that sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates have dropped during the pandemic, thanks to things like lockdown and social distancing. But new research from the Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and University of Sydney suggests that might only be a short-term thing, and that rates of undetected STIs could be a lot higher than we...
GPs urged not to test gay men for STI ‘super bug’ over fears it will become more antibiotic resistant
Guardian Australia, Wed 17 Mar 2021 03.30 AEDT GPs have been urged not to test gay men for one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections unless they have symptoms, with new research from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre warning that treating asymptomatic men is accelerating its resistance to antibiotics. Many general practitioners have begun testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium as part...
Diagnosis and Management of Syphilis in Patients With HIV Co-infection
Khaw, C., Malden, C., Ratnayake, M. et al. Diagnosis and Management of Syphilis in Patients With HIV Co-infection. Curr Treat Options Infect Dis (2020). Published11 June 2020 Purpose of review Syphilis cases are on the increase especially in men who have sex with men (MSM) in urban areas of high-income countries. There is a strong association between syphilis and HIV infections. We review the...
Let’s Celebrate Safer Sex this National Condom Day (SHINE SA Media Release)
SHINE SA, 11 February 2020 Forget Valentine’s Day, there’s a new romantic day occupying February 14: National Condom Day! With only 36% of young South Australians always using a condom during casual sex, it’s no surprise that STI rates are on the rise. Like an elusive Valentine’s partner, many STIs are hidden. Around 70% of people with chlamydia have no symptoms, going unnoticed while being...
Updated Guidelines: Australian STI & HIV Testing Guidelines 2019 for Asymptomatic MSM
Sexually Transmissible Infections in Gay Men Action Group (STIGMA), September 2019 Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are asymptomatic. Testing and treatment of asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM) is the most effective method to interrupt transmission and reduce the burden of illness. In particular, syphilis is increasingly common, is often asymptomatic, and can cause...