The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) has published the Portrait of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Quebec, for the year 2022 including 2023 projections – see the rapport.
According to the report, for 2022 and 2023 (based on projections for 2023), there was a significant increase in the incidence rates of reported cases of: gonococcal infection, infectious syphilis, congenital syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). In 2023, the rate of reported cases of hepatitis B and C also increased (particularly the rate of hepatitis C cases in the Montreal region). The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are still present, which justifies continuing prevention and intervention efforts.
Some data concerning STIs that must be declared for 2022:
- Chlamydia trachomatis : represents the most common infection with 25,339 reported cases and an overall rate of 291 cases per 100,000 people (rate of 241 per 100,000 in men and 339 per 100,000 in women). Female cases represent 58% of cases. After around twenty years of constant increase, the incidence fell by 16% between 2019 and 2021. It then increased by 11% between 2021 and 2022.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae : 8,112 cases were reported for an overall rate of 93 cases per 100,000 people (rate of 141 per 100,000 for men and 44 per 100,000 for women). Men accounted for 75% of cases. The incidence of reported cases increased by 21% between 2021 and 2022. The projected rate for 2023 would be the highest observed since 1990. The incidence rates of reported cases in the Nunavik region and the Montreal region were respectively 20 times and 2.4 times higher than that of Quebec as a whole.
- Infectious syphilis: A total of 1258 cases were reported. The overall rate of reported cases was 14 cases per 100,000 population (24 per 100,000 in males and 4.6 per 100,000 in females). Of these, 25% were primary syphilis, 23% were secondary syphilis, and 52% were early latent syphilis. In Quebec, 14 cases of congenital syphilis (all cases of early congenital syphilis detected in infants under 2 years of age) have been reported, representing a rate of 0.8 cases per 100,000 women aged 15 to 49 and 17 per 100,000 live births (8.5 per 100,000 infants under 2 years of age). The rate of infectious syphilis cases has been increasing for 25 years, according to the report. In addition, the syphilis epidemic is increasingly taking hold in the heterosexual population and is growing in most regions, whereas it was initially concentrated in the Montreal region.
- LGV: 145 male cases have been reported, which corresponds to a rate of 3.3 cases per 100,000 men. One probable female case has been reported. LGV primarily affects the HARSAH (men who have sex with men) population.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): A total of 897 cases of hepatitis B have been reported, equivalent to a rate of 10.3 cases per 100,000 population (12 per 100,000 in men and 8.8 per 100,000 in women). Men account for 57% of all reported cases.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): A total of 742 cases of hepatitis C were reported in 2022, equivalent to a rate of 8.5 cases per 100,000 people (10.5 per 100,000 in men and 6.5 per 100,000 in women).
- HIV: A total of 917 cases of HIV infection were recorded in 2022 (for more details, see the annual HIV surveillance report for the year 2022 for Quebec).
To view the INSPQ report and learn more, click on this lien.
– What are the key findings from the 2022 report on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Quebec?
Table of Contents
The Alarming Rise of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections in Quebec: A 2022 Report
The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) has released its latest report, “Portrait of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs) in Quebec,” covering the year 2022, with projections for 2023. The report paints a concerning picture, highlighting a significant increase in the incidence rates of various STBBIs, including gonococcal infection, infectious syphilis, congenital syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and hepatitis B and C.
Rising Incidence Rates: A Call to Action
The report reveals that the incidence rates of reported cases of gonococcal infection, infectious syphilis, congenital syphilis, and LGV have increased significantly in 2022 and are projected to continue rising in 2023. The rates of reported cases of hepatitis B and C have also increased, with a notable surge in hepatitis C cases in the Montreal region.
STI Data: A Closer Look
The report provides detailed data on various STIs that must be declared in 2022:
Chlamydia trachomatis: With 25,339 reported cases, chlamydia remains the most common infection, affecting 291 people per 100,000 population. Women account for 58% of cases, and the incidence rate has increased by 11% between 2021 and 2022, following a 16% decline between 2019 and 2021.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A total of 8,112 cases were reported, resulting in an overall rate of 93 cases per 100,000 people. Men account for 75% of cases, and the incidence rate increased by 21% between 2021 and 2022. The projected rate for 2023 is expected to be the highest since 1990.
Infectious Syphilis: With 1,258 reported cases, infectious syphilis affects 14 people per 100,000 population. The rate of infectious syphilis cases has been increasing for 25 years, with a growing presence in the heterosexual population and most regions.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): A total of 145 male cases were reported, equivalent to a rate of 3.3 cases per 100,000 men. LGV primarily affects the men who have sex with men (MSM) population.
Hepatitis B: With 897 reported cases, hepatitis B affects a rate of 10 cases per 100,000 people. The rate of hepatitis B cases remains steady, emphasizing the need for continued prevention and intervention efforts.
The Need for Enhanced Prevention and Intervention Efforts
The INSPQ report highlights the importance of continued and enhanced prevention and intervention efforts to combat the rising incidence rates of STBBIs in Quebec. The findings underscore the need for:
Increased awareness and education about STBBIs, particularly among high-risk populations.
Improved access to screening, testing, and treatment services.
Enhanced surveillance and monitoring to track trends and identify emerging hotspots.
Strengthended collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health authorities to promote a coordinated response.
Conclusion
The “Portrait of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections in Quebec” report serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health efforts to address the rising incidence rates of STBBIs in the province. By understanding the trends and patterns of these infections, we can better target our interventions and work towards reducing the burden of STBBIs in Quebec.
Recommendations
Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and screen high-risk patients for STBBIs.
Community organizations should intensify awareness campaigns and education programs.
Public health authorities should continue to monitor and track trends, identifying emerging hotspots and areas of concern.
* Individuals should take responsibility for their sexual health, practicing safe sex, and seeking testing and treatment when necessary.
By working together, we can reduce the incidence rates of STBBIs in Quebec and promote a healthier, safer sexual health landscape for all.
– What trends were identified in the 2022 report on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Quebec?
Portrait of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs) in Quebec: A Comprehensive Review of the 2022 Report
The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) has recently published its Portrait of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs) in Quebec for 2022, including projections for 2023. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and incidence rates of various STBBIs in Quebec, highlighting areas of concern and the need for continued prevention and intervention efforts.
Increasing Incidence Rates of Gonococcal Infection, Infectious Syphilis, Congenital Syphilis, and Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
The report reveals a significant increase in the incidence rates of reported cases of gonococcal infection, infectious syphilis, congenital syphilis, and LGV in 2022 and projected for 2023. This upward trend is a cause for concern, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention and control measures.
Chlamydia trachomatis: The Most Common Infection
Chlamydia trachomatis remains the most common infection, with 25,339 reported cases and an overall rate of 291 cases per 100,000 people. Female cases account for 58% of the total cases. While the incidence rate fell by 16% between 2019 and 2021, it increased by 11% between 2021 and 2022, highlighting the need for sustained prevention efforts.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A Rise in Cases
The report notes a 21% increase in reported cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae between 2021 and 2022, with 8,112 cases reported. Men account for 75% of the cases, and the projected rate for 2023 is expected to be the highest observed since 1990. The incidence rates in the Nunavik region and the Montreal region are significantly higher than in Quebec as a whole.
Infectious Syphilis: A Growing Concern
Infectious syphilis cases have been increasing for 25 years, with 1258 cases reported in 2022. The overall rate of reported cases is 14 cases per 100,000 population, with men accounting for 75% of cases. Congenital syphilis cases are also on the rise, with 14 cases reported, representing a rate of 0.8 cases per 100,000 women aged 15-49.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): A Focus on the HARSAH Population
LGV primarily affects the HARSAH (men who have sex with men) population, with 145 male cases reported, corresponding to a rate of 3.3 cases per 100,000 men. One probable female case was reported.
Hepatitis B and C: A Continuing Presence
Hepatitis B and C viruses are still present in Quebec, with 897 and 742 reported cases, respectively. Men account for 57% of hepatitis B cases and 62% of hepatitis C cases. The incidence rate of hepatitis C cases is particularly high in the Montreal region.
HIV: Ongoing Surveillance
A total of 917 cases of HIV infection were recorded in 2022, with further details available in the annual HIV surveillance report for Quebec.
Conclusion
The INSPQ’s Portrait of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs) in Quebec for 2022 highlights the need for continued prevention and intervention efforts to combat the rising incidence rates of various STBBIs in Quebec. The report’s findings underscore the importance of sustained public health efforts to promote awareness, education, and access to diagnostic and treatment services.
To learn more, access the full report: INSPQ Report
