Article Text
Abstract
Background/introduction Gonorrhoea (GC) is a prevalent sexually-transmitted infection in the UK. The British Society for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) published guidelines in 2011 for the management of GC.
Aim(s)/objectives To audit the management of all patients who tested positive for GC at our centre between 1 May 2013 and 1 May 2014 against BASHH guidelines.
Methods A proforma was developed and a retrospective notes review performed for all patients who tested positive for GC from 1 May 2013 to 1 May 2014.
Results 115 patients tested positive for GC during the audit period. The prevalence of GC in this cohort was 0.9%. 46% of patients had symptom (s), 54% were truly asymptomatic, 18% of patients presented as contacts. Microscopy was performed on 80% of symptomatic patients and intracellular gram-negative diplococci were seen in 66% of these. 97% of patients were diagnosed by PCR testing and one by culture. 2 patients were diagnosed elsewhere with negative testing at our clinic. 83% had GC cultures prior to treatment. The sensitivity of culture compared to PCR testing was 59%. 93% of patients were treated as per BASHH guidelines. 65% were documented to have received written information about their diagnosis. All patients were offered test of cure, of which 61% attended within 2 weeks. 92% of patients saw health advisers for partner notification.
Discussion/conclusion Management of GC was largely in line with BASHH guidance. However, this study highlighted a need to increase written information offer and to encourage attendance for test of cure.