'Issue requiring immediate attention': STI cases surging in Australia

Australians are being urged to get tested for sexually transmitted infections amid a spike in cases.

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) said there was a nearly 20 per cent increase in gonorrhoea cases from 2022 to 2023, with another increase expected this year.

Syphilis rates have also surged, RCPA said, particularly for congenital syphilis, where the infection is transmitted to unborn children.

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This is despite testing levels not going up.

Associate Professor Caitlin Keighley, Medical Director, Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Physician Southern IML Pathology said regular testing was crucial.

"The rise in STIs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV is a pressing public health issue that requires immediate attention in Australia," Keighley said.

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"Despite a concerning rise in cases, we are not seeing a corresponding increase in testing rates.

"This includes older adults who may not be forthcoming about changes in their sexual practices.

"Low testing levels mean that infections can go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to severe health complications and further transmission.

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"This leaves many individuals unknowingly at risk and is particularly concerning for pregnant women, where untreated STIs can result in congenital infections with devastating outcomes."

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face "substantially higher" rates of STIs compared to non-Indigenous Australians, the RCPA said.

The prevalence of gonorrhoea and syphilis is over five times higher.

"Regular STI testing is a simple yet vital step that individuals can take to protect their health and the health of their partners," Keighley said.