Bacterial Vaginosis and HIV Infection

Increased Risk for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Aug 2, 2008

Women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to be infected with HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, underscoring the need for prevention.

Women of reproductive age who are affected with bacterial vaginosis had a higher risk for other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV-AIDS, according to an analysis of 23 published studies. Reviewing data from over 37,000 women around the world, researchers at the Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health reported in the the peer-reviewed journal AIDS (July 31, 2008 edition) that the association between bacterial vaginosis and HIV was stronger for women without high-risk sexual behavior.

Bacterial Vaginosis: It is a common vaginal infection where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. Normally, bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus type live in the vagina. In bacterial vaginosis, however, increased numbers of bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides sp, Mobiluncus sp, Prevotella sp and Mycoplasma hominis replace them. It is common in women of childbearing age. In the United States, it is more prevalent in pregnant women.

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis? Although the exact cause is not fully understood, experts believe that activities or behaviors that upset the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina lead to increased risk. These include having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners and douching. But even a woman who never had sexual intercourse can be affected. But then, there is no way anyone can catch the disease from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from touching objects around her.

Symptoms: Most women are symptom-free. However, there may be occasional cases of abnormal vaginal discharge (usually white or gray) with an unpleasant odor that is strongly fish-like, especially after intercourse. There may also be pain and itching around the outside of the vagina, or burning during urination.

Other Complications: Aside from an increased risk of HIV infection, bacterial vaginosis can raise the risk of woman's susceptibility to the following complications.

Treat Bacterial Vaginosis to Prevent HIV-AIDS: Symptomatic patients should be treated to prevent HIV and other infections or complications. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women if diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, even in the absence of symptoms. In fact, all women undergoing a hysterectomy or abortion may need to be treated for bacterial vaginosis prior to the procedure, regardless of symptoms, to reduce the risk. Antibiotics including metronidazole or clindamycin may be prescribed, with varying dosages for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women are treated alike.

Prevention of Bacterial Vaginosis: To prevent bacterial vaginosis, it is essential not to upset the delicate balance of vaginal bacteria. Pregnant or symptomatic women or those with a history of premature delivery or low birth weight babies in the past should get tested for bacterial vaginosis. Basic prevention may include the following steps.

The copyright of the article Bacterial Vaginosis and HIV Infection in Gynecological Health is owned by Sridhar Nadamuni. Permission to republish Bacterial Vaginosis and HIV Infection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.