Abstract
The effect of asymptomatic sexually transmitted urethral infections on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA viral load in semen is poorly defined. We studied five such patients. Those on antiretrovirals (n = 2) had lower seminal plasma viral loads (SPVL) (2.11 and 1.98 log(10) copies/mL) than those not on antiretrovirals (n = 3) (2.27-3.78 log(10) copies/mL). One patient who was not taking antiretrovirals had a 94% decline in SPVL after treatment of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis, suggesting that asymptomatic infection may be a co-factor for HIV transmission.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
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Carrier State
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Chlamydia Infections / complications*
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Chlamydia trachomatis*
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Disease Transmission, Infectious
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Gonorrhea / complications*
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HIV / genetics
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HIV / isolation & purification*
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HIV Infections / complications
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HIV Infections / drug therapy
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HIV Infections / transmission
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HIV Infections / virology*
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Humans
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Male
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
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RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
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Semen / virology*
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Viral Load*
Substances
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Anti-Retroviral Agents
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RNA, Viral