Author profile
Mark Gilbert, MD, MHSc, FRCPC
Since May 2022, monkeypox infections have been reported in many countries where they had not been seen previously, including Canada. Timely diagnostic testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is key for both... Read More
In the first half of 2019, there were two cases of congenital syphilis diagnosed in British Columbia; the first cases since 2013. In the context of 919 cases of infectious syphilis reported in BC in 2018—representing... Read More
Background Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1, L2, L2b, and L3. These serovars preferentially target lymph tissues, often leading to... Read More
Since the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC in April 2016, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, health authorities, and community partners,... Read More
The last 2 decades have seen considerable advancements in HIV care, with substantial improvements in HIV-related mortality and morbidity, affording many living with the virus a near-normal life expectancy. Paralleling... Read More
While many patients have good access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through their family physician or a sexual health clinic, this isn’t the case for everyone. Each year in BC many people at... Read More
Syphilis is an age-old sexually transmitted infection (STI) that typically passes through three clinical stages and may be latent (without overt signs or symptoms). Primary syphilis is highly contagious, occurs between... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have observed the successive loss of penicillin, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics to reliably treat Neisseria gonorrhoeae due to drug resistance.[1] Data from BC and... Read More
Now available in BC: E-cards patients can use to notify sex partners to get tested Thousands of people are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every year in BC. It is important that their sex... Read More
After a prolonged period of decline, the rate of genital chlamydia infection in BC has steadily increased since 1998.[1] The 2007 rate of 227.6 per 100000 rose to 239.3 in 2008, in parallel with Canadian rates. This... Read More