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.


METHODS
Between January 1999 and January 2000, 16 patients presented to our STD clinic with hematospermia after other noninfectious pathologies had been excluded by a referring physician. After obtaining informed consent, subjects completed a questionnaire addressing symptoms and sexual behavior. First-void urine samples, as well as genitourinary and serum specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and herpes simplex virus. Standard bacterial cultures were also performed.


RESULTS
Laboratory testing detected a pathogen in 12 of the 16 males presenting with hematospermia. The sexually transmitted pathogens detected were herpes simplex virus in 5 patients (42%), Chlamydia trachomatis in 4 (33%), Enterococcus fecalis in 2 (17%), and Ureaplasma urealyticum in 1 (8%). In all cases in which a pathogen was identified, the appropriate antimicrobial agent was administered. Symptoms resolved for each patient following antimicrobial therapy. During a 1 year follow-up, all 12 patients remained free of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances in microbiologic diagnostic techniques have facilitated the detection of pathogens in patients with hematospermia, thereby enhancing the efficacy of treatment.
Bamberger
Ellen
E
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Madeb
Ralph
R
Steinberg
Jordan
J
Paz
Alona
A
Satinger
Iehudith
I
Kra-Oz
Zipi
Z
Nativ
Ofer
O
Srugo
Isaac
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016990:Ureaplasma urealyticum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology