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Review
. 2019 Oct;19(10):e367-e369.
doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30306-8. Epub 2019 Jul 16.

Kissing, saliva exchange, and transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Edward W Hook 3rd  1 , Kyle Bernstein  2
Affiliations
Review

Kissing, saliva exchange, and transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Edward W Hook 3rd et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2019 Oct.

Abstract

Data from mathematical models suggest that kissing and saliva exchange during sexual activity might be major contributors to community gonorrhoea morbidity. Although there is little evidence to support this, it provokes discussion of the potential role of the oropharynx in gonorrhoea control. Improved sensitivity and ease of diagnostic testing, as well as increased screening for extragenital infections among men who have sex with men, have increased awareness of the high frequency of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. However, there are insufficient data to determine the mechanisms of transmission for these infections. Innovative studies that use quantitative microbiological techniques are needed to accurately assess how oral gonorrhoea or saliva exchange in infected people contribute to the morbidity of gonorrhoea in the community. More empirical data on pharyngeal gonorrhoea infections, and the role of transmission to and from the oropharynx, are needed to inform prevention planning.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests

We declare no competing interests.

Comment in

  • Revisiting gonorrhoea transmission.
    Sekkides O. Sekkides O. Lancet Infect Dis. 2019 Oct;19(10):1048-1049. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30388-3. Epub 2019 Jul 16. Lancet Infect Dis. 2019. PMID: 31324516 No abstract available.

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