Sexually transmitted diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial
African women recently infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2 have increased risk of acquiring Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in the Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa trial.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are 2 common causative agents of cervical bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI). Against the background of the concurrent epidemics of STIs and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, we examined the effect of HIV-1 and HSV-2 on acquiring N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in a cohort of southern African women at risk for HIV infection. ⋯ Women recently infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2 were at increased risk of acquiring N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. Proactive screening and treatment of these common cervical infections, particularly among those infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2, should be considered for young sexually active women in settings with a high prevalence of HIV/STIs.