Genital ulcer disease in central Australia: predictors of testing and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with the uptake and outcome of testing for infectious causes of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in central Australia.


METHODS
Prospective investigation of GUD cases in central Australia from February 2002 to August 2003. Data were collected from primary health care clinics in remote indigenous communities of Central Australia.


RESULTS
During the study period, 134 cases of GUD were reported and investigated. Of these cases, 71 (53%) were in women (age range 14-75, median 28) and 63 (47%) in men (14-63, median 28). Testing for syphilis was undertaken for 111 (82.8%) cases, 75 (56%) were tested for herpes simplex virus infection, and 82 (61.2%) for donovanosis. Testing for at least one of the three sexually transmissible pathogens of interest was undertaken in 128 (95.5%) cases, while 99 (73.9%) were tested for two pathogens and 41 (30.6%) for all three agents. Of subjects tested, 19.8% had new syphilis infection, 51% had herpes simplex virus infection and 7% had donovanosis. In 19 of 41 (46.3%) subjects fully investigated no cause for genital ulceration was found.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first quantitative description of GUD diagnosis in central Australia. Logistic constraints limited the systematic application of diagnostic tests. Current treatment protocols may need to be reassessed in light of the higher than expected detection of genital herpes as a cause of GUD.
Wilkey
Janelle E
JE
Donovanosis Eradication Project, Department of Health and Community Services, Alice Springs, NT, Australia.
Fethers
Katherine A
KA
Latif
Ahmed S
AS
Kaldor
John M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015876:Northern Territory / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015231:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*