Trichomonas vaginalis, HIV, and African-Americans

Trichomonas vaginalis may be emerging as one of the most important cofactor s in amplifying HIV transmission, particularly in African-American communit ies of the United States. In a person co-infected with HIV, the pathology i nduced by T vaginalis infection can increase HIV shedding. Trichomonas infe ction may also act to expand the portal of entry for HIV in an HIV-negative person. Studies from Africa have suggested that T vaginalis infection may increase the rate of HIV transmission by approximately twofold. Available d ata indicate that T vaginalis is highly prevalent among African-Americans i n major urban centers of the United States and is often the most common sex ually transmitted infection in black women. Even if T vaginalis increases t he risk of HIV transmission by a small amount, this could translate into an important amplifying effect since Trichomonas is so common. Substantial HI V transmission may be attributable to T vaginalis in African-American commu nities of the United States.