Preventing Vaginal HIV Transmission Still Proves to Be Elusive

Microbicidal vaginal gel did not diminish HIV infection rates in African and Indian women.

Women constitute most HIV-infected people in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the two methods that are effective in lowering risk for HIV transmission during sexual intercourse — condom use and male circumcision — are under the control of men. Microbicidal vaginal gels are a potential preventive method that women can control.

Investigators randomized 1398 women at five sites in Africa and India to use 6% cellulose sulfate vaginal gel (an HIV-entry inhibitor) or placebo. The product was to be used within 1 hour before intercourse during the 12-month study period. The trial was stopped early because interim results indicated higher risk for HIV acquisition among women using the microbicide than in those who were not: Overall, incident HIV infectio…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)