Characteristics of adenovirus associated urethritis

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of adenovirus urethritis in men.

Method: Cases occurred over a 30 month period among men presenting with urethritis to Melbourne Sexual Health Clinic. All cases had a urethral Gram stain and underwent testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, and adenovirus. Cases were empirically treated with a macrolide or doxycycline.

Results: Eight cases of adenovirus associated urethritis were identified in whom no other causative organism was isolated. Cases were clustered in autumn and winter of each year and all reported recent insertive oral sex and seven reported recent insertive vaginal sex. All patients complained of dysuria, seven had meatitis and mucoid discharge, six had conjunctivitis, and four constitutional symptoms. Three sexual contacts were known to be symptomatic.

Conclusion: Adenovirus is an uncommon cause of urethritis in men but it should be considered in all males presenting with dysuria, meatitis, and associated conjunctivitis or constitutional symptoms.