close Icon

Is rectal gonorrhoea a lead indicator of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men in Victoria, Australia?

Wilkinson AL, Lim MS, Stoové M, Fairley CK, Chen M, El-Hayek C, Denham I, Hellard M

VIEW FULL ARTICLE
  • Journal Sexual health

  • Published 05 Jun 2014

  • Volume 10

  • ISSUE 2

  • Pagination 188-9

  • DOI 10.1071/SH12145

Abstract

To examine whether rectal gonorrhoea (RG; Neisseria gonorrhoeae) can be used as a lead indicator of trends in HIV diagnosis in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Data from a metropolitan sexual health centre in Victoria, Australia, on RG and HIV tests in HIV-negative MSM from January 2006 to December 2011 were examined.

Allowing RG a 12-month lead over HIV showed no concordance in proportion positive (r=0.27; P-value=0.28).

The data do not support use of RG trends as a lead indicator of trends in HIV among MSM.