Circumcision and HIV infection: review of the literature and meta-analysis.
Thirty-five articles and a number of abstracts have been published in the medical literature looking at the relationship between male circumcision and HIV infection. Study designs have included geographical analysis, studies of high-risk patients, partner studies and random population surveys. Most of the studies have been conducted in Africa. A meta-analysis was performed on the 29 published articles where data were available. When the raw data are combined, a man with a circumcised penis is at greater risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV than a man with a non-circumcised penis (odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.12). Based on the studies published to date, recommending routine circumcision as a prophylactic measure to prevent HIV infection in Africa, or elsewhere, is scientifically unfounded.
Van Howe
R S
RS
Department of Pediatrics, Marshfield Clinic, Lakeland Center, USA. vanhower@dgabby.mfldclin.edu
D002944:Circumcision, Male; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic