Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - October 1992
Mark Katz MD and reported by Jim Stoecker

For HIV+ women, vaginal candidiasis is a common problem and is seen fairly early in HIV disease (at an average T-cell count of 570). In contrast, oral candidiasis or thrush is usually found later in disease progression (at an average CD4 of 230). Women also have a higher incidence of esophageal candidiasis than do men. Often this is the presenting condition for a woman's diagnosis of AIDS.

Some physicians are questioning whether the early incidence of vaginal candidiasis is related to the later incidence of esophageal infection. Does a lingering vaginal infection cause immune suppression and bring on later, more serious infection? This fluconazole study may be a start in providing some answers. For information about this study, you can call 1.800.TRIALS.A.

There is also a general study of women and HIV underway throughout the country. Locally, this study is being conducted at USC. Call Christine Chandler at 213.724.3758 for full particulars.
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