[Sexually transmitted infections in HIV-positive persons]

In 1989 and 1990, newly-acquired sexually transmitted bacterial disease was found in 41 HIV-antibody-positive men seen at a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in Copenhagen. In 38 homo/bisexual men, the new STD was transmitted from a male contact in 36 cases and from a female contact in two cases. In three male intravenous drug users, the new STD was transmitted from a female contact. In two men, the HIV-infection was first diagnosed together with the new STD, the other men had been aware of their HIV-infection for a mean period of 38 months. Gonococcal infections were diagnosed in 33 men, Chlamydial infections in ten men and syphilis in three men. Anorectal gonococcal infections were found in 13 men, corresponding to 43% and 30% of the total number of anorectal gonococcal infections in 1989 and 1990 respectively. The data presented might indicate a relapse to unsafe sexual practices among homosexual men in Copenhagen. This could influence the HIV prevalence as at least 12% of the contacts were known to be HIV-antibody-negative.