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Some bacteria (Shigella, Campylobacter, and Salmonella), viruses (hepatitis A, B, and C), and parasites (Giardia and other amebas) that are usually transmitted nonsexually can sometimes be transmitted during sex. Infection by these organisms, with the exception of hepatitis B and C, is usually acquired by mouth. Thus, activities in which the mouth comes into contact with the anus of an infected person can transmit these infections. Symptoms are typically those of the specific organism transmitted and may involve diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain or bloating, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice. Infections recur frequently, especially in homosexual men with many sex partners. Some infections cause no symptoms, but may lead to serious long-term complications, such as chronic hepatitis B or C.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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