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HIV’S Quiet Accomplice?

Imbalances in vaginal flora may link to the AIDS epidemic

Bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection, may increase the risk of HIV transmission, but peroxide-secreting bacteria naturally found in the vagina appears to offer protection.

 

References:

Aral, S.O., W. Mosher, and W. Cates Jr. 1992. Vaginal douching among women of reproductive age in the United States: 1988. American Journal of Public Health 82(February):210.

Goldenberg, R.L. . . . S. Hillier, et al. 1996. Bacterial colonization of the vagina during pregnancy in four ethnic groups. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 174(May):1618.

Hawes, S. . . . S.L. Hillier, et al. 1996. Hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli and acquisition of vaginal infections. Journal of Infectious Diseases 174(November):1058.

Hillier, S., et al. 1995. Association between bacterial vaginosis and preterm delivery of a low-birth-weight infant. New England Journal of Medicine 333(Dec. 28):1737.

Klebanoff, S.J., and R.W. Coombs. 1991. Viricidal effect of lactobacillus acidophilus on human immunodeficiency virus type 1: Possible role in heterosexual transmission. Journal of Experimental Medicine 174(July):289.

Sewankambo, N., et al. 1997. HIV-1 infection associated with abnormal vaginal flora morphology and bacterial vaginosis. Lancet 350(Aug. 23):546.

 

Further Readings:

1996. Curable infection linked to early birth. Science News 149(Jan. 13):31.

Mayaud, P. 1997. Tackling bacterial vaginosis and HIV in developing countries. Lancet 350(Aug. 23):530.

Further information about symptoms and treatment of bacterial vaginosis can be found at http://www.obweb.com/healthinfo/bv1.htm#0.

Additional references to studies of vaginitis and HIV infection are available at the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care Web site at http://iapac.org/clinmgt/women/vaginitisjrnlref.html.

Information about methods to prevent HIV infection in women can be found at: http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/prevention/safer_sex_info/2098.389b.html.

The website of the National Vaginitis Association is located at http://www.vaginalinfections.com.

Sources:

Ronald H. Gray
Johns Hopkins University
School of Hygiene and Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street
Room 4028
Baltimore, MD 21205

Sharon L. Hillier
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
Magee-Women’s Hospital
Forbes Avenue & Halkett Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Penelope J. Hitchcock
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Branch
Building SB, 3A24
Bethesda, MD 20892

Seymour J. Klebanoff
University of Washington
Department of Medicine
Box 357185
Seattle, WA 98195-7185

Harold L. Martin
Park Nicollet Clinic
3800 Park Nicollet Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Taha E. Taha
School of Hygiene and Public Health
E 6011
615 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205

Judith Wasserheit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30333

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