What is super-infection?

The researchers determined the super-infection rate by examining two regions of the HIV genome in blood samples from 149 recent seroconverters in Rakai, Uganda.
Of these seven cases of super-infection were identified among the 149 participants, a rate of 1,44 per 100 person-years.
This compares with a first-time HIV infection rate of 1,15 per 100 person-years among the Rakai general population — not significantly different from the super-infection rate. The study pointed out that the rate of super-infection was substantially high and this posed challenges for future public health and HIV vaccine strategies.
Almost all cases of HIV transmission in this cohort occurred via vaginal intercourse, and therefore the findings may not be generalisable to groups with other modes of transmission such as men who have sex with men, the research noted.
“There is previous evidence that HIV super-infection can have detrimental clinical effects, even in individuals who were previously controlling their HIV infection,” the report said.
“The data suggest that post-test counseling of HIV-infected individuals needs to emphasise the risk of HIV super-infection and the possible clinical implications of continued unsafe behaviours,” said the study.
This is just not the case in Uganda, it is also rampant here in Zimbabwe if one takes into account the number of unions one has had and the HIV status of these involved people.