Microbicides: an emerging science of HIV-1 prevention in women-15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, USA, 3-6 February 2008.
Women account for almost 60% of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. HIV-1 prevention tools such as condoms, abstinence and monogamy are not always feasible options for women due to various socio-economic and cultural factors. Microbicides are anti-microbial medications formulated for topical administration to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1 and other pathogens. Ideally, they will afford bidirectional protection to both men and women who are engaged in vaginal or anal sex. Since the use of condom is often difficult or impossible, this multifunctional role of microbicides will be crucial in the fight against AIDS. The 15th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) was recently held in Boston, USA, where one of the most interesting subject area discussed by researchers from all around the world was the latest developments and understandings in microbicide-related basic science and pre-clinical product development as well as in product manufacturing and formulation that address the issue of user adherence.
Saïdi
Héla
H
Institut Pasteur, Antiviral Immunity, Biotherapy and Vaccine Unit, Infection and Epidemiology Department, Paris, France. hela.saidi@pasteur.fr
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local