Detection of HIV DNA in cervical and vaginal secretions: prevalence and correlates among women in Nairobi, Kenya

Article Abstract:

The presence of HIV in cervical samples appears to be associated with women's use of oral contraceptives, cervical ectopy and pregnancy. Cervical ectopy is a normal variation in the lining of the cervix. DNA analysis was performed on cervical and vaginal samples taken from 97 HIV-positive women. HIV DNA was detected in 28 (33%) of 84 cervical samples and in 13 (17%) of 77 vaginal samples. Detection of HIV DNA in cervical samples was associated with the use of oral contraceptives and pregnancy and was most strongly associated with cervical ectopy. The risk increased as the area of ectopy increased. The risk also increased slightly with the presence of cervical inflammation. These findings, along with some previous studies, suggest that cervical inflammation, ectopy and use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk of HIV transmission from infected women to their sexual partners and infants.

Measurement, Risk factors, Physiological aspects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Cervix uteri, Vagina

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Efficacy of nonoxynol 9 contraceptive sponge use in preventing heterosexual acquisition of HIV in Nairobi prostitutes

Article Abstract:

A vaginal sponge containing the spermicide nonoxynol 9 may not be effective in protecting women from HIV infection. Of 138 Nairobi prostitutes, 74 used the sponge during sexual intercourse, and 64 used a suppository or cream that did not contain the spermicide (the placebo group). The women using the sponge were followed for an average of 14 months and those in the placebo group were followed for an average of 17 months. At the end of the study, 45% of the women using the sponge became HIV positive, compared to 36% of those on placebo. Two years after the study began, 56% of the women using the sponge were HIV positive and 41% of those in the placebo group were HIV positive. The women using the sponge were three times more likely to develop genital ulcers and vaginal inflammation. Animal studies have shown that nonoxynol 9 can irritate vaginal tissue.

Health aspects, Usage, Prostitutes, Spermicides, Contraceptives, Vaginal, Vaginal contraceptives

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Safety of a nonoxynol-9 vaginal gel in Kenyan prostitutes: a randomized clinical trial

Article Abstract:

Use of a vaginal gel containing nonoxynol-9 may be a potential method women can use themselves to prevent HIV infection. Researchers analyzed the safety and toxicity of a once-daily use of a vaginal gel containing nonoxynol-9, a common vaginal spermicide which has been proven to kill HIV. Sixty female prostitutes in Kenya were asked to use either the nonoxynol-9 gel or placebo gel once a day for two weeks. Nonoxynol-9 did not damage genital epithelium or cause toxicity. Future studies are needed to determine whether use of the nonoxynol-9 gel protects women against HIV infection.

Women, HIV infection in women

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