Genital warts and associated health care use in general practice in Australia

Abstract

The introduction of the quadrivalent vaccine (HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18), GARDASIL, in the National HPV Vaccination program has the potential to eliminate a substantial proportion of the health burden of external genital warts (EGW), currently the most common sexually transmitted viral disease in Australia. Approximately 60% of cases of EGW are managed in general practice. In this study both new and existing EGW cases were identified in the BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health) database from April 2000 to September 2006. Extrapolating to the Australian population, there are approximately 34�000 new cases of EGW each year managed through general practice, accounting for 96�000 GP ..