Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Asymptomatic Homosexual Men

Abstract

76/133 (57 %) asymptomatic homosexual men harboured intestinal parasites. Of these, 40 had Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia, or both. In a control group of heterosexual men, no pathogenic protozoas were found. Stool specimen cultures for Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter were negative. 7 % of the homosexual men were infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the pharynx or rectum, or both, and 5 % with Chlamydia trachomatis in the urethra or rectum. Serological evidence of syphilis was detected in 18 men (13.5 %) of whom 2 were untreated. Serological markers of hepatitis A were found in 20 % and of hepatitis B in 48%. The prevalence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus was higher in homosexual than in heterosexual men (88 % versus 59 %).