Antiretroviral drug concentrations in the male and female genital tract: implications for the sexual transmission of HIV.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the recent literature (2008-2010) on antiretroviral (ARV) drug disposition into the male and female genital tract.


RESULTS
Recent studies have confirmed that penetration of antiretroviral agents into the male and female genital tracts are both drug and sex specific. Concentrations achieved vary considerably depending on the class of drug studied, the sampling techniques used and the times samples are obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
There appear to be several patterns of drug penetration into the male and female genital tract. In addition there appear to be different patterns of genital shedding under the influence of antiretroviral therapy. What effect these factors will have on the sexual transmission of HIV or the evolution and transmission of resistant HIV remains to be seen.
Taylor
Stephen
S
Department of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, Directorate of Infection, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. steve.taylor@heartofengland.nhs.uk
Davies
Sophia
S
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000737:chemistry*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000737:chemistry*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017201:Virus Shedding / Q000187:drug effects
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents