A study has found that the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission is increased three fold for women with bacterial vaginosis, a common disorder in women.
The researchers at UCSF assessed the association between bacterial vaginosis and female-to-male HIV transmission risk in a prospective study of 2,236 HIV positive women and their uninfected male partners from seven African countries.
“Previous research has shown that bacterial vaginosis can increase a women’s risk of becoming infected with HIV as much as sixty percent. Our study is the first to show that the risk of transmitting HIV is also elevated. Our findings point to the need for additional research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial vaginosis…” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Craig R. Cohen, MD, MPH, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF.
Bacterial vaginosis is a disruption of vaginal flora, which takes place when bacteria that are helpful are reduced and more harmful bacteria are increased. Besides increasing the risk of becoming infected with HIV, bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and increase the risk of preterm delivery.
Do you suffer from bacterial vaginosis? See a naturopathic doctor today to rebalance your system’s microflora and to boost your immune system.
SOURCE: PLoS Medicine
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 