Sexually transmitted infections (
STI) in HIV-infected people are of increasing concern. We estimated
STI prevalence and sexual healthcare seeking behaviour in 224 sexually active HIV-infected people, including men who have sex with men (MSM, n = 112), heterosexual men (n = 65) and women (n = 47). Laboratory-diagnosed bacterial
STI were more common in MSM (Chlamydia trachomatis 10.7%; 95% CI 6.2, 18.0%,
lymphogranuloma venereum 0.9%; 95% CI 0.1, 6.2%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.7%; 95% CI 0.9, 8.0%,
syphilis seroconversion 5.4%; 95% CI 2.0, 11.3%) than heterosexual men (gonorrhoea 1.5%; 95% CI 0.2, 10.3%) or women (no acute
infections). Combined rates of laboratory-diagnosed and self-reported bacterial
STI in the year before the study were: MSM (27.7%; 95% CI 21.1, 36.7%); heterosexual men (1.5%; 95% CI 0.2, 10.3%); and women (6.4%; 95% CI 2.1, 21.0%).
Antibodies to hepatitis C virus were least common in MSM.
Antibodies to
herpes simplex type 2 virus were least common in heterosexual men. Most MSM, but not heterosexual men or women, agreed that
STI testing should be offered every year. In this study, combined rates of bacterial
STI in MSM were high; a regular assessment of sexual health would allow those at risk of
STI to be offered testing, treatment and partner management.