The AIDS epidemic is not as widespread in the United States as in Africa. So for most U.S. women, even if they are at increased risk of HIV because of bacterial vaginosis, the risk of HIV infection is still low. However, the odds are less reassuring for African American and U.S. Hispanic women. Eradicating the odiferous aura of vaginosis is more complex than simply taking a pill. An inexpensive antibiotic, metronidazole, quickly extinguishes the infection, but up to 80 percent of treated women later relapse, many of them within six months.
Investigators don t think that the bacteria that cause vaginosis develops into resistant strains.
Rather, women may simply become reinfected. Hillier and other researchers say they do not fully understand why women get vaginosis. It does not appear to be transmitted through intercourse. However, women do have an increased risk of the condition after taking a new sexual partner, regardless of the frequency of intercourse. Ironically, a common practice intended to promote vaginal health may be part of the problem.