[Virus-induced anorectal diseases. Condylomata acuminata and herpes simplex]

Abstract

Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) are very common sexually transmitted infections which may be present in perianal, anal and rarely rectal sites. Their incidence in the population is about 0.1%. As a rule, the diagnosis is simple and can be made by inspection; some variants pose a diagnostic challenge. The therapy is not uniform; it must be adjusted to the clinical manifestations and can be conservative or operative. Herpes simplex infections are also common; they too may be transferred by sexual intercourse and then commonly appear in the perianal skin and the rectal mucosa. While the clinical diagnosis is often difficult, the treatment is simple and effective.