Genital chlamydia
In 2016, the rate of genital chlamydia increased to 317.6 (15,057 cases) per 100,000 population in British Columbia (BC), continuing the overall provincial trend of a steady increase since 1998. The highest rates were in Vancouver Coastal and Northern Health Authorities.
Genital chlamydia case reports in BC by health authority, 2007 to 2016
- Females continue to have higher rates of genital chlamydia infection compared to males.
- The highest rates were among young adults aged 20-24 years followed by both adults aged 25-29 years and adolescents aged 15-19 years.
- In 2016, there was 1 perinatally-acquired chlamdyia infection.
- The number of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) cases remains higher than historic levels. In 2016, there were 40 LGV cases, most were among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and many of whom were co-infected with HIV.
Genital chlamydia case reports in BC by gender, 2007 to 2016
Genital Gonorrhea
In 2016, the provincial rate of genital gonorrhea increased to 68.8 (3,260 cases) per 100,000 population, continuing an overall steady increase since 1998. The highest rates were in Vancouver Coastal and Northern Health Authorities.
Genital gonorrhea case reports in BC by health authority, 2007 to 2016
- Males have higher rates of gonorrhea infection compared to females and in 2016, rates among both males and females increased to the highest rates in over 20 years.
- The highest rates of infection were among males aged 25-29 years and among females aged 20-24 years.
- In 2016, there was no perinatally-acquired gonorrhea infection.
- Analysis of recent gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance trends in BC demonstrates a reduction in the proportion of isolates with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone in 2011-2016 and to cefixime in 2011-2015 which then increased slightly in 2016.
Genital gonorrhea case reports in BC by gender, 2007 to 2016
Infectious Syphilis
In 2016, the provincial rate of infectious syphilis remained stable at 16.0 (759 cases) per 100,000 population. The highest rates were in Vancouver Coastal, Island, and Fraser Health Authorities.
Infectious syphilis case reports in BC by health authority, 2007 to 2016
- In 2016, more than 95% of infectious syphilis cases were male, with highest rates observed in males aged 25-29 years. A slight increase in female cases was observed in 2016.
- The majority of cases (45%) were among people identified as Caucasian.
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to comprise the greatest number of new infectious syphilis cases in BC (86% in 2016). Among MSM cases where HIV status is known, 43% were co-infected with HIV.
Infectious syphilis case reports in BC by gender, 2007 to 2016
For more information
For a detailed description of STI trends in 2016, please visit the BCCDC website to view the STI Annual Report.