Scientists have identified seven bacterial species whose presence in high concentrations may significantly increase the risk of HIV infection in women. The study also showed that the odds of HIV infection increased as concentrations of that bacterium increased. Biologists call this a “dose-dependent response” -- the more bugs, the more risk of HIV infection. Gathering the information required a collaboration involving five of the largest studies of HIV risk carried out in Africa. The results were consistent throughout Africa, and among three distinctly different groups of women at high risk of HIV infection: Pregnant women, sex workers and women who were initially HIV negative but had HIV-positive male partners.

Source: Hindustan Times January 27, 2018 17:15 UTC