In a population with a relatively low HIV prevalence, vaginal flora abnormalities were associated with prevalent HIV infection. We cannot determine whether vaginal flora abnormalities increase women's susceptibility to HIV infection or become more common after infection. The increased prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among HIV-infected pregnant women increases risk for preterm delivery. Incidence studies are required to discern whether control of bacterial vaginosis might reduce HIV infectivity.

In asymptomatic women at 24-29 weeks' gestation, greater cervical dilatation and shorter length were associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, particularly preterm PROM.

No abstract