View article

To determine the prevalence of pharyngeal and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Germany and describe associations between these infections, sexual practices and other factors to provide an evidence base for screening recommendations.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 22 sentinel sites of sexually transmitted infections across Germany. Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected and tested for CT and NG with a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Information on HIV status, number of sex partners and sexual practices was collected and linked to NAAT results.

Overall, 2247 MSM were screened for pharyngeal or rectal CT and NG infections; median age was 34 years (range 16–83). Prevalence of CT was 1.5% in pharyngeal and 8.0% in rectal specimens. Prevalence of NG was …