Final answer:
Yes, gonorrhea is considered a co-factor that can help spread HIV infection. Gonorrhea can cause open sores on the genitals, which increases the risk of HIV transmission. Using condoms can greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gonorrhea and HIV Infection
Yes, gonorrhea is considered a co-factor that can help spread HIV infection.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. When a person is infected with gonorrhea, it can cause open sores on their genitals. These sores increase the risk of HIV transmission by about fivefold.
Furthermore, the risk of HIV transmission is also higher during the early months of infection when the infected person usually has a greater viral load. It is important to note that the use of condoms can greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact.