The purpose of this study is to see if taking medication once a month can help to decrease
the risk of vaginal infections. Additionally, researchers will study whether personal habits,
such as douching, bathing, and sexual practices can influence the risk of vaginal infections.
Vaginal infections may influence the risk of becoming infected with HIV-1 and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). Study participants will include 400 female prostitutes ages 16
and older, living in Mombasa. Study procedures will include sexual behavior questions,
physical examinations including pelvic exams, testing of vaginal and cervical secretions for
STDs, urine collection and blood samples. Participants will receive 2 different types of
pills to treat vaginal infections (metronidazole or fluconazole) or placebo (contains no
medication). Participants will be involved in study related procedures for 1 year and will
return to the study clinic at one month intervals.
Phase:
Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Washington
Collaborator:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)