[Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens in patients with hematospermia].

BACKGROUND

Although the current literature attributes most cases of hematospermia to an infectious agent, identification of the specific pathogens involved has been limited.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of different pathogens, in patients presenting with hematospermia to our sexually transmitted disease clinic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined the laboratory results of 30 patients who presented to our clinic with hematospermia after other non-infectious pathologies had been excluded by a referring physician. Firstly, void urine samples as well as genitourinary and serum specimens were tested for Herpes simplex, Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Standard bacterial cultures were also performed.

RESULTS

In 12 of the 18 patients a possible pathogenic cause for the hematospermia was found. Evidence for Herpes simplex virus (Type 2) was found in 5 of the patients (16.6%), for Chlamydia trachomatis in 3 patients (10%) and for Ureaplasma urealyticum in 2 of the patients. Enterococcus fecalis was detected in 2 (6.6%) of the patients and in 1 patient Herpes simplex virus (Type 1) antigen and antibodies were detected. In all cases in which evidence of a pathogen was identified, the appropriate antimicrobial agent was administered, with recurrence in two patients only.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in microbiologic diagnostic techniques have facilitated the detection of pathogens in patients with hematospermia, thereby enhancing the efficacy of treatment.