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Lower Genital Tract Infections in HIV-Infected Women: Can We Afford to Miss?

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Abstract

Objectives

To study prevalence of lower genital tract infections (LGTI) (bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis) in HIV-seropositive women and correlation with CD4 counts and antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted in 200 HIV-1-seropositive women (18 to 45 years) attending ART clinic of PGIMS, Rohtak. Vaginal samples sent for laboratory diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis, CD4 count determined and data analyzed using Chi-square method.

Results

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis was 47.7, 43.2, and 8.8 % respectively, 30 % women with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl had LGTI, and 17.4 % women with CD4 >200 Cell/μl had LGTI. Of 70 women not on ART, 18.6 % had LGTI and 30 of 130 on ART had LGTI.

Conclusions

HIV-seropositive women had higher prevalence of LGTI especially at lower CD4 counts and women on ART did not have a lower prevalence of LGTI and should be screened for LGTI to decrease HIV transmission.

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Acknowledgement

Capsule cross-sectional study finding increased prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis in HIV-seropositive women especially at lower CD4 counts and no correlation with ART.The study was conducted in PGIMS, Rohtak.

Compliance with ethical requirements

Ethical clearance was taken from the hospital ethical committee.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SHKM Medical College, Room No. 21, PG Girls’ Hostel, Mewat, Haryana, India

    Meenakshi Lallar Senior Resident

  2. Pt. BDS University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India

    Smiti Nanda Senior Professor and Head & Rajesh Nandal Senior Resident

Authors
  1. Meenakshi Lallar Senior Resident
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  2. Smiti Nanda Senior Professor and Head
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  3. Rajesh Nandal Senior Resident
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Meenakshi Lallar Senior Resident.

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Lallar, M., Nanda, S. & Nandal, R. Lower Genital Tract Infections in HIV-Infected Women: Can We Afford to Miss?. J Obstet Gynecol India 65, 45–49 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-014-0604-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-014-0604-6

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