Key points

Syphilis

• The number of new syphilis cases is on the rise among gay and bisexual men (who account for more than 80% of cases). This increase is observed primarily outside the Ile-de-France region.

Gonorrhea

• The number of gonococcal infections continues to rise among both men and women, regardless of region or sexual orientation. Part of this increase is linked to the increased use of PCR testing since 2009.

• The proportion of gonococcal strains resistant to cefixime decreased slightly between 2012 (3.0%) and 2013 (1.7%). No resistance to ceftriaxone, the first-line treatment, has been detected since 2010. Culture remains essential for testing the sensitivity of strains to antibiotics.

Chlamydia Infections

• The number of urogenital Chlamydia infections continues to rise among both men and women at sites with consistent participation over the past three years. This increase partly reflects an expansion of screening practices.

• The number of rectal LGV and non-L Chlamydia proctitis cases increased in 2013. Nearly all cases involve gay and bisexual men.

HIV/AIDS

• Among patients with Chlamydia rectitis (LGV or non-LGV rectitis), syphilis, or gonorrhea, the rate of HIV co-infection remains high.

• Among patients with syphilis or gonorrhea, condom use remains insufficient, particularly during oral sex, which is a highly effective mode of transmission for these STIs.