Gonorrhea and HIV linked, U of’T researchers find

University of Toronto researchers have discovered a molecular link that explains why gonorrhea increases transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) between sexual partners. It's a landmark discovery that could lead to better treatments for both conditions. Each year, five million new HIV and more 100 million new gonorrhea infections are reported worldwide. However, while scientists have always known gonorrhea increases the infectiousness of HIV, they didn't know why. The study solves the mystery by discovering a long sought-after molecular link between the two sexually transmitted infections, says Scott Gray-Owen, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine's Department of Molecular Genetics (pictured right) and senior author of the study. "Gonorrhea is a global epidemic that spreads at astonishing rates, and emerging antibiotic-resistant strains are difficult to treat. Our discovery helps explain the relationship between gonorrhea and HIV, which could significantly impact the treatment of both infections," says Gray-Owen.