Study Finds Bacterial STD Linked to Increased Risk of HIV

A common sexually transmitted bacterial infection more than doubles the risk of HIV infection in African women, according to a study by researchers at RTI International.

The study, published in the March 13 issue of AIDS, found that women with the "emerging" sexually transmitted disease Mycoplasma genitalium are more likely to acquire HIV infection.

"Further research will be required to confirm a causal relationship and to identify risk factors for M. genitalium infection in African populations," said Sue Napierala Mavedzenge, Ph.D., a research investigator with the Women's Global Health Imperative at RTI International and the study's lead author. "If findings from this research are confirmed, M. genitalium screening and treatment among women at high risk for HIV-1 infection may be warranted as part of an HIV-1 prevention strategy."

First discovered in 1980, M. genitalium is a bacterial STD that causes inflammatory conditions of the genitals and reproductive tract (urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease). The infection, which may be present for years without causing any symptoms, can be eliminated with appropriate antibiotics.

A common sexually transmitted bacterial infection more than doubles the risk of HIV infection in African women, according to a study by researchers at RTI International.

The study, published in the March 13 issue of AIDS, found that women with the "emerging" sexually transmitted disease Mycoplasma genitalium are more likely to acquire HIV infection.

"Further research will be required to confirm a causal relationship and to identify risk factors for M. genitalium infection in African populations," said Sue Napierala Mavedzenge, Ph.D., a research investigator with the Women's Global Health Imperative at RTI International and the study's lead author. "If findings from this research are confirmed, M. genitalium screening and treatment among women at high risk for HIV-1 infection may be warranted as part of an HIV-1 prevention strategy."

Risk factors When HIV/AIDS first surfaced in the United States, it predominantly affected homosexual men. The type of HIV found in many African nations is more easily spread through heterosexual sex. Anyone of any age, race, sex or sexual orientation can be infected, but you're at greatest risk of HIV/AIDS if you:

- Have unprotected sex. Unprotected sex means having sex without using a new latex or polyurethane condom every time. Anal sex is more risky than is vaginal sex. The risk increases if you have multiple sexual partners.
- Have another STD. Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) produce open sores on your genitals. These sores act as doorways for HIV to enter your body.
- Use intravenous drugs. People who use intravenous drugs often share needles and syringes. This exposes them to droplets of other people's blood.- . Studies indicate that lack of circumcision increases the risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV.