Intravaginal Treatment of Disturbances of Vaginal Flora Among HIV Infected and Uninfected Women in Malawi

Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Urogenital Diseases

Genitourinary symptoms

The purpose of this intervention is to find out whether intravaginal treatment with a gel containing an antibiotic (metronidazole), compared to a similar placebo gel (without antibiotic), can reduce the frequency of bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection among African women who are HIV uninfected or HIV infected. The study will also determine the effect of these vaginal gels on genitourinary symptoms.

This is a phase 3, randomized, double masked, two arms study conducted in Malawi, Southeast Africa. The study is conducted among nonpregnant HIV infected or uninfected women of reproductive age. Intermittent mass treatment approaches are followed where women are randomized to antibiotic intravaginal treatment or placebo at enrollment. Women receive assigned product every three months for one year.