Female Upper Genital Tract in HIV-infected Women

Virologic, Pharmacologic, and Immunologic Characterization of the Female Upper Genital Tract in HIV-infected Women

The female upper genital tract is a unique compartment involved in HIV pathogenesis.

The persistent detection of HIV in the female genital tract in spite of ART is unexplained, and it is possible the uterine endometrium serve as a reservoir. There are limited data regarding the interaction between HIV expression, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and host immune system in the uterine endometrium.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Regularly menstruating women (between 21-42 days)
• between ages 25-50 years
• Fully suppressed by antiretroviral therapy with plasma HIV RNA < 40 copies/mL within the last 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Unwilling to use 2 forms of contraception (condoms + hormonal) if they did not have previous bilateral tubal ligation procedure
• Intrauterine device in place
• Untreated cervical infection (N. gonnorhea, C. trachomatis)
• Taking immunosuppressive medications