Emerging insights for the transmission of gonorrhoea and a novel intervention for primary syphilis in men who have sex with men

This thesis examines the transmission dynamics of gonorrhoea, focusing on the throat and saliva, and explores a new approach for detecting primary syphilis in men who have sex with men. The findings indicate that kissing and rimming are linked to throat gonorrhoea, but oral sex is not. Saliva use during masturbation showed no connection to urethral gonorrhoea, while unprotected insertive anal sex remained a significant risk factor. The research also suggests that regular digital anorectal examination could help detect primary syphilis early. These insights highlight the need for strategies to target the throat to reduce gonorrhoea transmission and for novel interventions that prompt early detection and healthcare.