Pregnancy in HIV-positive patients: effects on vaginal flora

Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2012:2012:287849. doi: 10.1155/2012/287849. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

A high proportion of HIV-infected pregnant women present pathogenic organisms in their lower genital tract. This has been associated with the development of postpartum morbility, HIV transmission to the partner and offspring, and other gynaecological conditions, such as cervical dysplasia or cancer. Vaginal flora alterations can range from 47% in Western countries to 89% in Africa in pregnant HIV-positive patients, much higher than about 20% of the general population. Pathogen organism retrieval is high. As peripartum complications due to vaginal infections seem higher in HIV-positive patients, accurate investigation and treatment of such infections are strongly mandatory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / microbiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vagina / microbiology*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / microbiology