Asymptomatic Screening for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among Gay and Bisexual Men Attending Public Sexual Health Services in Australia and Associations With Patterns of Ceftriaxone Consumption: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant public health concern due to rising antimicrobial resistance. Current strategies for N gonorrhoeae among gay and bisexual men (GBM) include 3-month screening; however, high-frequency screening may increase ceftriaxone consumption, potentially contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of GBM screened for N gonorrhoeae at 16 Australian public sexual health services between 2016 and 2023. We classified N gonorrhoeae tests and ceftriaxone prescriptions as screening-related (asymptomatic screening) or nonscreening-related (testing/treatment of contacts, symptomatic testing, or empirical treatment..