ANATOMICAL SITES OF INFECTION - BIOMEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR STI PREVENTION

Abstract

Extragenital (anorectal and oropharyngeal) sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), but are now an increasing concern among heterosexual men and women with calls for anorectal testing in women. Further, there is ongoing debate about the role of oropharyngeal STIs driving transmission, particularly among MSM and about anorectal chlamydia in women causing urogenital infection via auto-inoculation. These issues highlight that site of infection is an important issue. Treatment efficacy can vary considerably by site of infection – for example, treatment efficacy is lower for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea ..