[Sexually-transmissible anorectal diseases]

Several anorectal diseases are described. Most are sexually transmitted (gay bowel syndrome or heterosexual transmission). The clinical aspect of nearly all of them is similar. Thus, the diagnosis usually cannot be done on clinical grounds alone: one has to request the help of the laboratory. Amebiasis, giardiasis, chancroid and donovanosis are frequent in Africa but rare in our countries, except in male homosexuals. Shigellosis, salmonellosis, pediculosis, scabies and campylobacter infections are seen in male homosexuals because of orofecal contacts. Condylomata acuminata are frequent in our country. The typical clinical aspect leads to an easy diagnosis. Electrocoagulation is the treatment of choice. Anorectal gonococcal are also frequent in our country, both homosexually and heterosexually transmitted. The clinical aspect suggests the diagnosis, but this must be confirmed by the laboratory.