Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens in patients with hematospermia.

BACKGROUND

Although the current literature attributes most cases of hematospermia to an infectious agent, identification of the specific pathogens involved has been limited.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of different pathogens in patients presenting with hematospermia to our sexually transmitted disease clinic.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and January 2000, 16 patients presented to our STD clinic with hematospermia after other noninfectious pathologies had been excluded by a referring physician. After obtaining informed consent, subjects completed a questionnaire addressing symptoms and sexual behavior. First-void urine samples, as well as genitourinary and serum specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and herpes simplex virus. Standard bacterial cultures were also performed.

RESULTS

Laboratory testing detected a pathogen in 12 of the 16 males presenting with hematospermia. The sexually transmitted pathogens detected were herpes simplex virus in 5 patients (42%), Chlamydia trachomatis in 4 (33%), Enterococcus fecalis in 2 (17%), and Ureaplasma urealyticum in 1 (8%). In all cases in which a pathogen was identified, the appropriate antimicrobial agent was administered. Symptoms resolved for each patient following antimicrobial therapy. During a 1 year follow-up, all 12 patients remained free of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in microbiologic diagnostic techniques have facilitated the detection of pathogens in patients with hematospermia, thereby enhancing the efficacy of treatment.