Increased levels of HIV-1-infected cells in endocervical secretions after the luteinizing hormone surge

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2008 Apr 15;47(5):529-34. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e318165b952.

Abstract

Levels of HIV-1 RNA in endocervical specimens fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, suggesting that cell-free HIV-1 levels may vary during the cycle, which could influence infectivity. Here, we examined daily changes in endocervical HIV-1-infected cells during 1 cycle. There were significant positive associations between the number of days from the luteinizing hormone surge and the number of HIV-1 DNA copies/swab (P = 0.001) and the number of total cells/swab (P < 0.001) in endocervical specimens. These data suggest that sampling of cell-associated endocervical HIV-1 increases after the periovulatory period, which could result in increased exposure to HIV-1-infected cells during sexual contact.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cervix Uteri / metabolism*
  • Cervix Uteri / virology
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology*
  • Vagina / virology
  • Viral Load
  • Viremia / virology
  • Virus Shedding

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Luteinizing Hormone