'Super gonorrhoea' strain found in UK - see most common STIs by region

7 Mar 2022

Mirror.co.uk

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Super gonorrhoea strain found in UK see most common STIs by region

An antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhoea has been found while Chlamydia remains the most common sexually transmitted infection across England as people are reminded to use protection

The most common STIs by region have been identified as a new strain of 'super gonorrhoea' is found in the UK.

The antibiotic-resistant 'super strain' has been found in several regions and sexual health experts say it is among the sexually transmitted diseases which have been found.

Three cases of the sexually transmitted infection have now been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency, in addition to a case announced in December 2021.

STDs reach their peak in London, which is not surprising given the population mass of the area.

The city leads the league and recorded the highest number of recorded sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England with 87,690 cases.

By contrast, the North East had the fewest with 11,251 notched up in that region.

The most common STIs by region ( ONS)

STIs by age range ( ONS)

The second region only to London was the South East with 32,972, followed by the North West with 29,972. The East Midlands recorded 18,920 cases.

Sexual experts say Chlamydia was the most common condition across England.

And in London, there were 43,964 reported cases which mean 0..5 per cent or one in every 200 people are infected by chlamydia.

Research provided by Manual found that chlamydia was most common among adults aged 20-24 with 60,059 cases, followed by those aged 25-34 with 47,260 cases and 15-19-year-olds with 32,731 cases.

Super-gonorrhoea that's resistant to antibiotics identified in England

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Ness Cooper, leading clinical sexologist, told NottinghamshireLive: "When it comes to where people live, lots of factors can have an impact on how likely you are to contract an STI.

"For example, was your school progressive or conservative when it came to openness around sex.

"Were local clinics available for you to regularly test yourself? How insightful was your sex education, and did your school or college offer out free condoms?

"Places where there are laws preventing expression of sexuality, and cultural expectations can also be a big factor in access to STI prevention and treatment."

Currently, 'super gonorrhoea' has four recorded cases in the UK and is resistant to ceftriaxone - the main drug used to treat infections.

Researchers at Manual analysed data from Public Heath England and the Office For National Statistics (ONS).

The breakdown of regional STD cases came after Super Gonhorrea were discovered which evade ceftriaxone, the main drug used to treat the infection across the UK.

Dr Sameer Sanghvi, clinical technology lead at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, urged the public to be wary of the strain as well as all infections as STIs are on the rise throughout the country.

The medical professional told the Daily Record: "Finding this strain of gonorrhoea in the UK is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping on top of your sexual health.

"Gonorrhoea is unpleasant at the best of times and if left untreated, can lead to long term effects on your health, such as infertility.

"Ceftriaxone-resistance is fairly common in the Asia and Pacific regions, but you rarely encounter it within the UK.

"The public should be conscious of protecting themselves against it by taking the necessary precautions when having sex with new partners.”