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Burden of sexually transmitted infections from acute HIV infection among women in South Africa: Evidence from a prospective cohort study

Burden of sexually transmitted infections from acute HIV infection among women in South Africa: Evidence from a prospective cohort study

HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often co-occur. However, less evidence exists on the long-term STI dynamics among persons living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to inform interventions. We investigated the incidence, prevalence and factors associated with STIs, starting from acute HIV infection in a cohort of South African women. The persistent STI/HIV co-infection burden among South African women highlights that early HIV diagnosis and ART initiation needs to be combined with better STI care for women and their partners to prevent HIV and STI transmission.

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