Key Points

Recent Syphilis

• In 2017, the number of recent syphilis cases (infections dating back less than 1 year) reported in the RésIST network has remained stable since 2015, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). They accounted for 81% of people diagnosed with recent syphilis in 2017.

• Nearly one-third of patients are co-infected with HIV.

Gonococcal Infections

• In 2017, the number of reported gonococcal infections continued to rise (+71% between 2015 and 2017). This increase is observed among MSM and heterosexuals.

• MSM accounted for 71% of people diagnosed with gonorrhea in 2017.

• More than half of those diagnosed are asymptomatic.

• A strain of gonococcus resistant to ceftriaxone (the standard treatment for gonorrhea) was isolated in 2017 by the National Reference Center for Bacterial STIs.

Chlamydia trachomatis Infections

• In 2015 and 2017, the number of reported genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections increased among women and men (+9% and +29%, respectively).

• Nearly two-thirds (60%) of cases reported in 2017 involved women, the majority of whom were aged 15 to 24.

• In 2017, the number of cases of rectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), diagnosed almost exclusively in MSM (90%), decreased.

Changes in Surveillance

• The Renago and Renachla laboratory networks were discontinued on January 1, 2019, and have been replaced by repeated LaboIST surveys of all laboratories, with the aim of obtaining data on screening and diagnostic activity for syphilis and gonococcal infections, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium, at the national and regional levels.

• Surveillance of STI screening and diagnostic activity within CeGIDD is being implemented gradually, based on the collection of individual data. In the medium term, this specific surveillance will enable the RésIST network of clinicians to be refocused toward hospital consultations.

• Data on health insurance reimbursements for STI screening tests are now regularly analyzed. They provide insight into STI screening activity in the private sector (private laboratories, private healthcare facilities) throughout France and by region.