Prevalence of Co-infection with Gonorrhoea and Non-Gonococcal Urethritis in Males with Urethral Discharge Genitourinary Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur: A 5-year study between 2011 – 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Dual infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia sp has been reported in several studies worldwidein men presenting with urethral discharge. The rate of co-infection has been reported to be between 1.5 to 51%.This study aims to determine the demographic characteristics and sexual behaviour of men diagnosed to haveurethritis.Methods:This is a retrospective study on all men who presented with urethral discharge and diagnosed to havegonococcal (GU) and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) for the year 2011 to 2015 in Genito-UrinaryMedicine Clinic (GUM), Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The case notes were retrieved and reviewed.Results:There were a total of 307 men who attended the GUM clinic with urethral discharge. The mean ageof patients was 26.4 years (range 16-57 years). Majority (64.5%) were in the age group between 20-29 years. Around 95% were Malaysians and of these about 80% were Malays. Thirty-seven patients(12%) completed their tertiary education. There were 24 patients (8%) documented to have substanceabuse. Majority (78%) were heterosexual. About 36% of patients had 2 or more partners (range 2-10)6 months before the symptoms developed. The most common cause of urethritis was gonococcalurethritis (66.4%), followed by NGU (24.4%). Among the NGU, nine were detected to have Chlamydiasp infection (12%). Co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia sp were detected in 28men (9.1%). Seven (2.3%) were HIV seropositive.Conclusion:Majority of males diagnosed with gonorrhoea were heterosexuals acquired mainly via casual partners.About 10% had co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia sp.