title: HIV sexual transmission and microbicides.
abstract: Pathogens often rely on the contacts between hosts for transmission. Most viruses have adapted their transmission mechanisms to defined behaviours of their host(s) and have learned to exploit these for their own propagation. Some viruses, such as HIV, the human papillomavirus (HPV), HSV-2 and HCV, cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the transmission of particular viral variants and comprehending the early adaptation and evolution is fundamental to eventually inhibiting sexual transmission of HIV. Here, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms of sexual transmission and the biology of the transmitted HIV. Next, we present a timely overview of candidate microbicides, including past, ongoing and future clinical trials of HIV topical microbicides.
authors.affiliation: Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium. karien@itg.be.
authors.forename: Kevin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Ariën
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jespers
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanham
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D065129:Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents