ABSTRACT
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a common public health problem with the prevalence of some STDs such as lymphogranuloma venereum and syphilis on the rise. Knowledge of viral STD presentation and the associated risk factors for transmission is essential in a modern colorectal practice. Human papillomavirus is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects the basal keratinocytes of the epithelium where it replicates and integrates its DNA into the host genome, causing an overexpression of viral genes E6 and E7. Ulcerations are typically caused by herpes simplex virus; cytomegalovirus can also cause ulcers of the anorectum. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has resulted in a decreased incidence of opportunistic infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related malignancy, a decrease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related death, and an increase in the life expectancy of HIV patients. Anorectal disease is the most common reason for surgical referrals in the HIV-positive population.
