Rectal Bleeding in Young Adults: Always Rule Out STIs

A 34-year-old healthy man was referred for colonoscopy due to tenesmus and rectal bleeding in the absence of systemic or immunosuppressive conditions. Incomplete bowel preparation limited the examination, but rectal inspection revealed a well-demarcated erythematous lesion with a granular, micronodular surface and fibrinous areas. The mucosa appeared friable and bled with minimal contact. The differential diagnosis included infectious and inflammatory etiologies. Histologic analysis showed granulation tissue with moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and C-reactive protein (CRP) confirmed Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). This case underscores the importance of considering sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HSV in the differential diagnosis of rectal bleeding, even in immunocompetent individuals.