(P98) Epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Asia: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions

Background: Epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is inadequately understood. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of NG in Asia.

Methods: Up to October 24, 2022, NG-related data were systematically reviewed, reported, synthesized, and analyzed as informed by Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled mean prevalence. Meta-regressions were conducted to investigate factors associated with higher prevalence and to determine sources of heterogeneity.

Preliminary

Results: A total of 561 eligible publications were identified including 823 overall (1,278 stratified) NG prevalence measures. Pooled mean prevalence of current urogenital infection was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.7-1.3%) among general populations, 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4-2.9%) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, 12.9% (95% CI: 11.1-14.9%) among female sex workers, 13.8% (95% CI: 11.1-16.8%) among sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic attendees, and 32.8% (95% CI: 28.4-37.3%) among symptomatic men. Pooled mean prevalence of current anorectal infection was 6.6% (95% CI: 2.9-11.8%) among STI clinic attendees and 8.8% (95% CI: 6.0-11.9%) among MSM and transgender people. Pooled mean prevalence of current oropharyngeal infection was 7.0% (95% CI: 1.4-16.1%) among STI clinic attendees and 7.5% (95% CI: 4.3-11.4%) among MSM and transgender people. Compared to women, current urogenital infection was 1.33-fold (95% CI: 1.05-1.68) higher in men. Compared to Eastern Asia, current urogenital infection was 3.32-fold (95% CI: 2.17-5.09) higher in Papua New Guinea. Current urogenital infection decreased by 0.98-fold (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) per year. Compared to Eastern Asia, current anorectal infection was 2.06-fold (95% CI: 1.09-3.91) higher in South-Eastern Asia.

Conclusions: Prevalence of current urogenital infection in Asia is comparable to global levels, but appears to be declining. The findings provide insights into the epidemiology of NG in Asia and support the need for screening, prevention, and surveillance programs to curb the infection and disease burden.





Funding: This work was supported by the Qatar National Research Fund [NPRP 9-040-3-008].