Interaction of human immunodeficiency virus with other sexually transmitted diseases

Worldwide, sexual contact continues to be the major mode of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adults. There is a striking association between HIV infection and several sexually transmitted diseases. Diseases causing genital ulceration including chancroid, syphilis, and anogenital herpes simplex infection may facilitate HIV transmission. HIV infection appears to alter the clinical presentation, natural history, and therapeutic response of some sexually transmitted diseases. Recent epidemiologic and virologic studies have noted an increase in anogenital human papillomavirus among HIV-seropositive persons and an association with anogenital intraepithelial neoplasia. Control of sexually transmitted diseases is important in limiting the spread of HIV.