Asymptomatic male gonorrhea in military personnel

One hundred and eighteen enlisted Marine Corps personnel were screened for asymptomatic gonorrhea. Urethral, pharyngeal, and anal cultures were taken on each man. Eleven men had a total of 15 positive cultures. Two of four men with positive rectal cultures were homosexuals and had engaged in anorectal intercourse; however, two other heterosexual men denied anal intercourse but did admit to rectal sexual play with female partners. The findings reiterate the recommendations that patients suspected of gonorrhea have all orifices cultured. The nature of anal-rectal gonorrhea in the heterosexual male needs further investigation.