The Comparison of Atopobium vaginae Microbiota Between HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women Using Quantitative PCR at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar and Satellite Hospitals

Atopobium vaginae has been shown to be significantly higher in the HIV-positive group compared to the HIV-negative group. There is a hypothesis that genital microbiota analysis using PCR can reveal previously unknown relationships between HIV and microbiota, especially concerning bacterial vaginosis. This study was conducted to assess the comparison of Atopobium vaginae in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women using quantitative PCR examination. This observational analytical study was conducted with a cross-sectional approach from November 2023-2024. Subjects were reproductive-age women with and without HIV. Vaginal pH, Whiff test, and swab collection for PCR examination were performed. A total of 100 subjects were included and divided into four groups: HIV with fluor albus, HIV without fluor albus, non-HIV with fluor albus, and non-HIV without fluor albus. There were significant relationships between HIV status, CD4 count, and pH with the presence of A. vaginae (p = 0.013, 0.031, and 0.003, respectively). Significant differences were found in the number of partners (p = 0.011) and contraceptive use (p = 0.028) with the levels of A. vaginae. In the type of examination, significant differences were found in the levels of A. vaginae in the Whiff test (p = 0.004 and 0.005). Atopobium vaginae is most commonly found in HIV-positive patients and those with fluor albus; however, no significant difference was found in the quantity of Atopobium vaginae. In the group of HIV-positive women with fluor albus and multiple sexual partners, a significantly higher levels of Atopobium vaginae was found.