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Shigellosis. Another sexually transmitted disease?
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Shigellosis, a bacterial infection, was found to be associated with male homosexual activity in a New York study. This suggests expanded screening for sexually transmitted diseases in homosexual men diagnosed with shigellosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Clinical observations suggested a link between shigellosis and male homosexuality.
- Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between shigellosis and male homosexuality.
- To determine if sexual orientation is a risk factor for shigellosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of 113 patients at The New York Hospital.
- Comparison of homosexual and heterosexual patients with shigellosis.
- Analysis of travel history in relation to shigellosis and homosexuality.
Main Results:
- Seventeen of 38 homosexual males (44.7%) studied had shigellosis.
- Homosexuality was more prevalent in patients without a travel history (57.1%) compared to those with a travel history (10%).
- Only one matched control was homosexual.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should consider sexual contacts in epidemiological investigations for male patients with shigellosis, especially those without a travel history.
- Individuals engaging in rectal intercourse should be advised to abstain until stool cultures are negative for shigella.
- Homosexual males with shigellosis should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases.