Epidemiologic aspects of male gonococcal infection in Greece.

Trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae incidence rates in men presenting to a major sexually transmitted disease hospital (Andreas Sygros) in Athens Greece in 1974-96 were evaluated and gonorrhea risk factors during periods of low and high incidence were compared. An abrupt drop in the relative incidence of gonorrhea occurred in 1986 followed by low rates thereafter. A comparison of the periods 1974-85 (high incidence) and 1986-96 (low incidence) revealed a 1.27-fold decrease in total attendance to the hospital and a 5-fold decrease in the number of gonorrhea cases detected. Observed over time was a shift to older ages longer time elapsed before seeking medical assistance and a higher proportion of disease repeaters. Infections caused by penicillinase-producing gonococci were strongly associated with contacts outside the country or with foreigners and their incidence was characterized by erratic time fluctuations suggesting that they have not become endemic in the Greek population. Changes observed in the features of the affected population indicate a trend toward increased risk in sexual behavior.