The confidential interviews will probe the sexual practices and possible risky behaviors of HIV-positive lesbians and women with female partners, not all of whom may identify themselves as lesbians. Earlier samplings have shown that this may be the medical equivalent of looking for a twig in a haystack. Similarly, in a 1993 University of Texas study of 168 women reporting only female partners, all of them had other risk factors. To date, there have been only 5 cases where no other risk factor was found.
Researchers believe such transmission is theoretically possible.
The virus is present in vaginal secretions and menstrual blood, so it could ostensibly pass through cuts in the linings of the mouth or vagina. Most feel that the risk is low, but present. If it can be proven, it will allow public health officials to better educate gay women about those risks. The CDC has urged women to be aware of their partners' HIV status, regardless of gender. They have also suggested that partners not share sex toys, and that they use condoms or dental dams during oral sex.