However,
prospective studies to examine biological risk factors for HIV
acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum have been limited.
Taha et al. showed that sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea
and trichomoniasis) and other genital tract infections (bacterial
vaginosis) were associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition
during pregnancy and postpartum: risk was 2-fold higher for
trichomonas infection during pregnancy or postpartum, and 4-fold
higher for gonorrhea during pregnancy [45]. Other potential
biological risk factors for HIV acquisition include vitamin A
deficiency, severe anemia, and younger age [46].