Aeromonas hydrophila-associated colitis in a male homosexual.
A 37-year-old homosexual man was evaluated for a one-week history of hematochezia. Results of a physical examination were remarkable only for grossly bloody stool. Sigmoidoscopy to 30 cm showed a friable mucosa compatible with an acute colitis, and a rectal biopsy specimen demonstrated an increased plasma cell infiltrate. Stool cultures subsequently yielded Aeromonas hydrophila; serum human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III antibody titer was positive. The patient responded to a course of treatment with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim with resolution of his symptoms and restoration of the bowel to a normal sigmoidoscopic appearance. Aeromonas hydrophila infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute proctocolitis, particularly in patients with underlying immunodeficiency states.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000328:Adult; D000333:Aeromonas / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D003092:Colitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000276:immunology; D011350:Proctocolitis / Q000209:etiology*