Contribution to Book
Reducing Urogenital Infections including HIV/AIDS in Africa; can probiotics be a viable paradigm?
Microbes, Viruses and Parasites in AIDS Process
(2011)
Abstract
The use of probiotics defined as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host” (WHO/FAO, 2001), for the maintenance of health is already in use in developed countries. Probiotics are yet to be adopted in sub-Saharan Africa by health care providers. There is clinical evidence to show that probiotics can play a significant role in resolving diarrhea, boost immune system and prevent recurrent urogenital infections including bacterial vaginosis, which is a risk factor in HIV acquisition. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the burden of urogenital infections in Africa, impact of abnormal vaginal microbiota, clinical evidence on the use of probiotics for urogenital health care and last but not the least, the rationale for suggesting the use of probiotics in the management of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords
- probiotics,
- HIV,
- Africa
Disciplines
Publication Date
2011
Editor
Vladimír Zajac
Publisher
InTech
ISBN
978-953-307-601-0
Citation Information
Kingsley C Anukam, Bassey E Bassey and Emmanuel O Osazuwa. "Reducing Urogenital Infections including HIV/AIDS in Africa; can probiotics be a viable paradigm?" Microbes, Viruses and Parasites in AIDS Process (2011) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kingsley_anukam/29/