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. 2009:2009:236919.
doi: 10.1155/2009/236919. Epub 2009 Nov 12.

Detection of fastidious vaginal bacteria in women with HIV infection and bacterial vaginosis

Caroline Mitchell  1 , Carla Moreira, David Fredricks, Kathleen Paul, Angela M Caliendo, Jaclynn Kurpewski, Jessica Ingersoll, Susan Cu-Uvin
Affiliations

Detection of fastidious vaginal bacteria in women with HIV infection and bacterial vaginosis

Caroline Mitchell et al. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2009.

Abstract

Background: Fastidious bacteria have been associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) using PCR methods. We assessed the prevalence of these bacteria in HIV-1 infected women and their relationship with vaginal pH and shedding of HIV-1 RNA.

Methods: 64 cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples were collected from 51 women. Vaginal microbiota were characterized using 8 bacterium-specific quantitative PCR assays.

Results: Women with the fastidious bacteria Bacterial Vaginosis Associated Bacterium (BVAB) 1, 2, and 3 showed a trend to increased HIV-1 shedding (OR 2.59-3.07, P = .14-.17). Absence of Lactobacillus crispatus (P < .005) and presence of BVAB2 (P < .001) were associated with elevated vaginal pH. BVAB1, 2, and 3 were highly specific indicators of BV in HIV-infected women, with specificities of 89%-93%.

Conclusions: Fastidious bacteria (BVAB 1, 2, and 3) remain specific indicators of BV in HIV-infected women, and BVAB2 may contribute to the elevated vaginal pH that is a hallmark of this syndrome.

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