In 2004, a study demonstrated both trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis to be independent predictors of incidence of herpes simples virus type 2 (HSV-2) among women. In a multi center study of 1,766 patients attending STD clinics who were enrolled in a study to determine the incidence and predictors of HSV-2 infection, women with newly diagnosed trichomoniasis were 3.7 times as likely to acquire HSV-2 infection; those with bacterial vaginosis were 1.9 times as likely to acquire HSV-2.1
Since both trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis may contribute to increased susceptibility to HSV-2, this association deserves further study.
- Gottlieb SL, Douglas JM Jr, Foster M, Schmid DS, Newman DR, Baron AE, Bolan G, Iatesta M, Malotte CK, Zenilman J, Fishbein M, Peterman TA, Kamb ML; Project RESPECT Study Group. Incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in 5 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics and the effect of HIV/STD risk-reduction counseling. J Infect Dis. 2004 Sep 15;190(6):1059-67. Epub 2004 Aug 5.
