Carraguard, a vaginal microbicide made from a seaweed derivative, is not effective in preventing HIV acquisition.
An effective female-initiated HIV-prevention option, such as a microbicide, could help to stem the rising tide of HIV transmission. The vaginal gel Carraguard has been shown to prevent viral transmission in vitro and also in animal studies. To test the safety and efficacy of this product in humans, researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involving 6202 HIV-negative women in South Africa. The women were instructed to use a condom plus one applicator of gel (Carraguard or methylcellulose placebo) during each vaginal sex act. Participants were followed for up to 2 years.
HIV incidence was 3.3 per 100 person-years in the Carraguard group and 3.8 per 100 person-years in the placebo group; time to seroconversion …
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)