Surge in STI Cases in Australia

Australians are being strongly urged to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amid a signifcant rise in cases. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has reported a nearly 20% increase in gonorrhoea cases from 2022 to 2023, with further increases anticipated this year.

Syphilis rates have also surged, particularly in cases of congenital increase in testing rates. This includes older adults who may not be forthcoming about changes in their sexual practices.”

Keighley highlighted that low testing levels mean infections can go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to severe health complications and further transmission.

“This leaves many individuals unknowingly at risk and is particularly syphilis, where the infection is transmitted to unborn children.

This alarming trend is occurring despite stable levels of testing, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Associate Professor Caitlin Keighley, Medical Director, Microbiologist, and Infectious Diseases Physician at Southern IML Pathology, emphasized the critical need for regular testing.

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

“Despite a concerning rise in cases, we are not seeing a corresponding concerning for pregnant women, where untreated STIs can result in congenital infections with devastating outcomes,” she added.

The RCPA also pointed out that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face “substantially higher” rates of STIs compared to nonIndigenous Australians, with the prevalence of gonorrhoea and syphilis being over fve 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 reiterated.