Rare Case Of Female-To-Female HIV Transmission In Texas

Doctors say while rare, HIV transmission between female partners is possible. (Getty Images)

ATLANTA (CBS Houston)  -  A Texas woman contracted HIV from her female partner in a rare case of female-to-female transmission of the virus that causes AIDS.

Doctors say the women were in a monogamous sexual relationship for six months.

One was HIV-positive and had not taken medication for the virus in two years, reports Live Science.

The second woman, age 46, had previously tested negative for HIV but became infected during the relationship.

Doctors  say the woman was not a drug user and had not had heterosexual sex in a decade.

However the report, detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, notes that the couple did engage in unprotected sexual contact during the six months they were together.

Because HIV can be present in vaginal fluid and menstrual blood, transmission of the virus between two women is theoretically possible, though rare, say researchers.

The CDC reminds couples in which one is HIV positive that regular medication and safe-sex practices can reduce the risk of transmission to the uninfected partner.