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HIV sexual transmission and microbicides
Author(s) -
Ariën Kevin K.,
Jespers Vicky,
Vanham Guido
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
reviews in medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.06
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1654
pISSN - 1052-9276
DOI - 10.1002/rmv.684
Subject(s) - microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , sexual transmission , virology , transmission (telecommunications) , medicine , microbicide , biology , computer science , health services , environmental health , population , telecommunications
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. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.