摘要：The Kimberley region in far-north Western Australia has some of the highest reported incidences ofsexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the nation. This reportdocuments the region's incidence rates ofgonorrhoea and syphilis from 1997 to 2001 and of chlamydia from 1993 to 2001. Chlamydia rates havebeen increasing since 1993 when genital chlamydia became a notifiable disease. By contrast, gonorrhoearates remained stable from 1997 to 2001. Syphilis rates, which plateaued between 1996 and 2000following a steep decrease in the previous decade, rose in 2001 in association with a regional syphilisoutbreak. Factors important in interpreting changes in STI rates over time include the increasedaccuracy of more recent census data, the introduction of new and more sensitive diagnostic techniques andthe influence of healthworkforce numbers and skills on STI diagnosis
