Risky sexual behaviour, particularly among mature people, is leading to a resurgence in Dunedin, and nationwide, of an ancient sexually transmitted infection (STI) - syphilis.
The STI Surveillance Annual Report for 2008, released last month by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), made sober reading for sexually active adults of all ages, Dunedin South general practitioner and sexual health clinician Dr Jill McIlraith said.
‘‘It's time for people to realise that young people are not the only ones at risk from sexually transmitted infections. These bugs are opportunistic and will go wherever the action is, and there is plenty of action among the 40-plus age group in Dunedin at the moment,'' Dr McIlraith said.
The ESR report, which collated results from sexual health clinics, youth health clinics and family planning clinics throughout New Zealand, showed there were 89 cases of syphilis diagnosed in New Zealand in 2008, compared with 71 in 2007 - an increase of 25 per cent.
In Dunedin, the incidence of the disease had increased by 700 per cent - from one person in 2007 to seven people in 2008.
Ninety per cent of those with syphilis were men and the mean age of syphilis cases was 37.
Through her work as clinical leader of the Otago District Health Board's Sexual Health Clinic at Dunedin Hospital, Dr McIlraith has observed the sharp rise in syphilis cases with concern.
Also worrying is the risk-taking behaviour, which has led to the increase.
‘‘We know that, in Dunedin, there is a very active ‘text for sex' network among professionals, who are able to rapidly hook up with each other for casual sex,'' Dr McIlraith said.
Because of the casual nature of many of these encounters, it had been difficult for health practitioners to track down the multiple partners of patients presenting with syphilis and other STIs, she said.
‘‘The patients we have been dealing with are respectable people, but their risky behaviour puts them and their partners at risk. The other major concern is that syphilis and HIV can be bed mates - syphilis is a marker for behaviours associated with HIV transmission,'' Dr McIlraith said.
While condoms were good at preventing HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, syphilis was transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, making condoms less effective at stopping it.
‘‘Although condoms are not perfect, they are by far the best option we have and should be used. They are free from sexual health clinics and cheap on prescription from your GP,'' she said.
Syphilis was difficult to diagnose, but as a bacterial infection was eminently treatable - albeit unpleasantly - with penicillin injections, Dr McIlraith said.
People who feel they may have been exposed to an STI should discuss it with their doctor, or visit Dunedin's Sexual Health Clinic or Family Planning Clinic.
