Non-classical pathogens as causative agents of proctitis in men who have sex with men
Abstract Background This study aimed to identify enteric and sexually acquired rectal pathogens, other than chlamydia and gonorrhoea, associated with symptomatic proctitis in MSM. Methods Anorectal swab samples were obtained from MSM presenting with rectal symptoms and a clinical diagnosis of proctitis at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between January-2017 and March-2019. Samples that tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis were excluded. As a comparison group, anorectal samples were also obtained from MSM not reporting symptoms of proctitis between November-2018 and February-2019. Samples from both groups were tested for 15 viral, bacterial and protozoal enteric pathogens using PCR. Results Anorectal samples from 499 men with symptomatic proctitis and 506 asymptomatic men were analysed. Age, HIV status and PrEP use did not differ between men with proctitis and asymptomatic men. Treponema pallidum was more common in men with proctitis (risk difference [RD]=3.6%; 95% CI:2.0-5.2%). Most men with anorectal T. pallidum presented with painful anal primary infections. Shigella spp. was more common among men with proctitis compared to asymptomatic men (RD=1.8%; 95%CI:0.1-3.5%). Most men with Shigella did not report diarrhoea. Mycoplasma genitalium was more common in men with proctitis (RD=4.3%; 95%CI:1.1-7.5%). HSV-1 (RD=10.1%; 95%CI:6.8-13.3%) and HSV-2 (RD=7.2%; 95%CI:4.5-10.0%) were more common with proctitis. Conclusions Testing for T. pallidum, Shigella and HSV should be considered in MSM presenting with symptomatic proctitis. These data provide support for M. genitalium as a significant cause of proctitis. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is required for MSM with proctitis.