Human immunodeficiency virus and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Relevance for other sexually transmitted infections

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is steadily increasing worldwide, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Proctological and gastroenterological manifestations of STIs, such as acute proctitis, acute proctocolitis and enteritis, pose a major clinical challenge. Furthermore, diseases associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major concern, particularly in diseases associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), such as anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). Strategies such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provide very promising ways for HIV prevention but also require integrated STI screening and treatment protocols, particularly with respect to proctological and gastroenterological manifestations. Proctologists play an important role in this integrated approach. Furthermore, efforts to improve HPV vaccination rates and implement ASCC screening programs are of decisive importance for reducing the incidence and morbidity associated with HPV, particularly in high-risk groups.