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

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Abstract
Of 133 asymptomatic homosexual men, 76 (57%) harbored intestinal parasites. Of these, 40 had Entamoeba histolytica, 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. Of the homosexual men, 7% were infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the pharynx, rectum or both; 5% were infected 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 vs. 59%).