Oral and Anal Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae Among Sexually Active Men With HIV Who Have Sex With Men

People with HIV are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. We investigate oral and anal carriage rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae by molecular methods among 82 men with HIV who have sex with men (MSM). A questionnaire, oral wash, and anal swab samples were obtained at baseline and 12 months. Oral carriage rates were 32.9% (27/82) at baseline and 41.7% (30/72) at follow-up. Anal carriage rates were 2.4% (2/82) at baseline and 2.9% (2/70) at follow-up. Genogroup 24 was predominant. Results suggest high oral carriage rates of S. pneumoniae among MSM living with HIV. A minority were anal carriers.

Automated summary

The study found that the oral carriage rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae were high among HIV-positive men, while the anal carriage rates were lower.