Sexually transmitted diseases of the anus and rectum: Causal agents, coinfections, HIV infection and high-risk sexual behaviour.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Sexually transmitted infections of the rectum and anus (STI-RA) mainly affect men who have sex with men (MSM). The incidence of STI-RA among them has increased in recent years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study in patients with diagnoses of STI-RA in an STI unit during the years 2014 and 2015. Epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data were collected.

RESULTS: We included 95 patients, all of whom were MSM; 88.42% were HIV+; 67.17% did not use a condom during their most recent sexual intercourse; 17.91% had had sex with sex workers and 72.22% had used drugs during sexual intercourse during the previous year. A percentage of 32.92 reported symptoms that had lasted longer than 30 days. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) was diagnosed in 54.73% of the patients. All patients who presented with proctitis and perianal ulcers were diagnosed with LGV infection. All those who presented perianal ulcers without proctitis were diagnosed with syphilis.

CONCLUSIONS: All the patients affected by STI-RA were MSM, most of them HIV+, had engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour and had suffered prolonged symptomatology. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of STI-AR could help adjust the empiric therapy.