Some women were found to have a stronger (or more effective) natural barrier against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified a type of vaginal bacteria within the mucus of the female reproductive system that can protect women from HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections. The vaginal microbiota has long been considered healthy if it was dominated by any species of lactobacillus, said Sam Lai, senior author of the study and an assistant professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
His team found that a specific species of lactobacillus -- lactobacillus crispatus -- appears to play a key role in sustaining the mucus barrier against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The findings, he said, that could lead to the development of new strategies to protect women against HIV.…
