Khunou, Lerato, Khatija Ahmed, Nazira Cassim, M. Moloi, Frank J. Kizis, and Stephen Eghan. "The prevalence of STIs in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative women in the Phase 3 Carraguard clinical trials, at Soshanguve north of Pretoria."

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections are endemic in many under-resourced settings and are a contributing cause of HIV transmission globally. A Phase 3 clinical trial of Carraguard, the Population Council’s lead microbicide, is being conducted at three sites in South Africa. Potential participants are tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screened for HIV as part of eligibility criteria. Our objective is to assess the prevalence of STIs in HIV-negative as compared to HIV-positive women screened in Soshanguve, Pretoria.

METHOD: A total of 2,856 women were screened from the period March 2004–September 2005. All participants were counseled and screened for HIV using two rapid tests, the Determine™ (Abbott) and Oraquick^® (UCB) test kits. All HIV-positive participants were referred for medical and psychosocial support to the local network of clinics. Speculum examinations were performed and specimens collected for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Trichomonas vaginalis. All vaginal infections detected clinically were syndromically treated, according to South African national guidelines.

RESULTS: The total number of women screened at Setšhaba Research Centre was 2,856. The prevalence of HIV was 24.5% (686) and STIs were detected in 16.1% (463) of the women screened. The prevalence of gonorrhea was 1.86% (53) of which 81% (43) were HIV-positive. There were 179 cases of Trichomonas vaginalis (6.2%) of whom 155 (87%) were HIV-positive, and 107 cases of chlamydia (3.75%) of whom 95 (85%) were HIV-positive. The relative risk of a concurrent STI infection if HIV-positive for the following infections are: gonorrhea, 14 times greater; Trichomonas vaginalis, 26 times greater; and chlamydia, 20 times greater.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of STIs is much higher in those who are HIV-positive, and the relative risk of having an STI is increased. In addition STIs are a serious predisposing factor for HIV transmission. Therefore aggressive treatment of STIs is important in decreasing HIV transmission. It remains important to educate women on sexual health, and the development of a microbicide will empower women to protect themselves against HIV and some STIs.

Poster Session
Monday, 24 April 2006, 12:30–1:30 pm
Tuesday, 25 April 2006, 12:30–1:30 pm

Microbicides 2006

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This page updated 3 April 2006

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