Detection of Fastidious Vaginal Bacteria in Women with HIV Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis

[摘要] 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 pHand 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 ofLactobacillus 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.

[学科分类] 妇产科学