Recent findings about the heterosexual transmission of HIV and AIDS.
Study of the heterosexual transmission of HIV has shifted focus from the behavioral and demographic risk factors associated with HIV to the biological and molecular factors. Although factors such as genetic predisposition may be immutable, others such as co-infection with sexually transmitted diseases are modifiable by the use of treatment. The effect of antiretroviral treatment is also promising but deserves more study, as does the use of contraception and microbicides (chemical barriers meant for intravaginal use).
Padian
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University of California, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco 94143, USA.