Localization features of sexually transmitted infections in subjectively asymptomatic men who have sex with men

Problem relevance. The worldwide spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is epidemic. Taking into account the presence of 3 anatomical loci that may be susceptible to infection in MSM, there are 7 possible options for detecting the same STI pathogen in each patient: in the urethra and rectum, in the urethra and oropharynx, in the rectum and oropharynx, in all 3 anatomical loci, or in one of 3. Objective. To investigate the compartmentalization of STI pathogens in MSM at different anatomical loci. Material and methods. 763 MSM were examined. Biomaterial from the rectum, oropharynx and urethra was examined for DNA of N. gonor-rhoeae, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, T. vaginalis, HSV I, HSV II and T. pallidum. Results. Gonococcus was found in 86 (11.3%) people mainly in the rectum (36), oropharynx (19), and in these two loci simultaneously (18). A similar picture was observed with chlamydial infection — 123 (16.1%). M. genitalium was detected in 46 (6%) MSM; the most frequent anatomical sites of detection were the rectum (31) and urethra (9). HSV II (79/10.4%) and HSV I (49/6.4%) were most often detected in the oropharynx. Combined forms were very rare. T. pallidum was found in 22 (2.9%) with a predominance of localization in the oropharynx (10) and rectum (9). Conclusion. N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis are characterized by the presence of the pathogen at 2 or more anatomical loci while M. gen-italium, HSV II, HSV I and T. pallidum are predominantly detected at one of 3 loci but in most cases extra-genital. © 2021, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.