New thinking on gonorrhoea control in MSM: are antiseptic mouthwashes the answer?. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fairley, Christopher K.; Zhang, Lei; Chow, Eric P.F.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in infectious diseases. Volume 31:Issue 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: control -- gonorrhoea -- MSM -- mouthwash -- pharyngeal gonorrhoea -- prevent -- topical antiseptics -- transmission; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-7375

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: The rate of gonorrhoea is rising and is much higher in men who have sex with men (MSM) than heterosexuals. The purpose of this review was to describe research supporting a new paradigm of transmission of gonorrhoea in MSM and interventions that may result from this. Recent findings: Evidence is accumulating that gonorrhoea in MSM is transmitted differently than previously thought and that asymptomatic sites of infection may play a major role in the persistent of gonorrhoea at a population level. Saliva commonly contains gonorrhoea, and saliva is commonly used during sexual acts. Both in-vitro, in-vivo studies have suggested that antibacterial mouthwash may reduce gonorrhoea at the oropharynx. A recently published mathematical model also suggests that if mouthwash were effective, it would result in considerable declines in the community prevalence in MSM. Summary: A newly suggested paradigm for the transmission of gonorrhoea in MSM could potentially offer a simple condom-free control strategy. But considerable more research is required before it could be recommended even if it were shown to be effective in a clinical trial.