Introduction. Sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented, but it is necessary to know how the infection is transmitted and be aware of the possibility of infection that will lead to change in behavior. Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections is also of crucial importance to prevent its further spread and the development of complications of the infection. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of risky behaviors in the population of men who have sex with men, their self-assessment of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the incidence of testing for these infections. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the territory of the City of Novi Sad in the population of 185 men who have sex with men. The research method was an anonymous online survey that respondents filled out on a voluntary basis, with previously provided information about the research. Results. Of the total number of respondents, 39% claimed that they had unprotected sex with at least one partner in the previous year. Among the respondents who had unprotected sex in the past year, only 12% believe that they are at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and 42% of them have not been tested for sexually transmitted diseases in the past year. Conclusion. In conclusion, a large number of untested people practice risky sex and have a poor perception of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The common reason for not getting tested is fear or lack of information about testing.
Introduction. Hepatitis A virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis, and in people over 25 years of age the disease may have different degrees of severity. Even though hepatitis A virus infection was long believed to be transmitted strictly by fecal-oral route, now this virus is classified among sexually transmitted diseases. Homosexual population, especially those positive for human immunodeficiency virus, is at the greatest risk of hepatitis A virus infection. Case 1. A twenty-six-year-old male homosexual was admitted with clinical and laboratory findings of acute hepatitis. The patient tested positive for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunoglobulin M antibodies to hepatitis A virus and human immunodeficiency virus antibodies, and later on human immunodeficiency virus infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction test. After the discharge, the antiretroviral therapy was initiated. Case 2. A twenty-seven-year-old male homosexual was transferred to our clinic from the Regional Hospital, where he was hospitalized due to acute hepatitis A virus infection, after a positive serological test for anti-human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction test, and upon discharge, antiretroviral therapy was initiated. Conclusion. In order to take the most effective preventive measures, it is very important to identify individuals and groups at high risk of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis A virus. Timely vaccination against hepatitis A virus among people living with human immunodeficiency virus is recommended and therefore it is necessary to design effective strategies for education of groups at risk.
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