The Interaction Between HIV and the Classic Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

Because HIV is sexually transmitted, HIV infection is common in populations with high prevalences of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This epidemiologic coprevalence provides an opportunity for bidirectional influences. The presence of some other STDs increases the transmissibility of HIV and may, in some circumstances, actually affect the course of HIV disease through the stimulation of susceptible cell types. The presence of HIV increases susceptibility to some STDs and modifies the presentation, course, rate of complications, and response to therapy of some of these classic infections. Recent studies and reviews have further defined these interactions but have provided no startlingly new approaches.