Microbicide Under Research For HIV Prevention Examined

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Missouri and Japan has been studying a compound they believe might prevent HIV transmission, the Columbia Tribune reports. According to the Tribune, "Tests show the microbicide, known as EFdA, stops HIV from replicating or spreading when applied to human cells." Stefan Sarafianos, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri's School of Medicine, and a researcher working on the compound, said, "Women would be able to apply it to themselves and have control over the situation, unlike other forms of protection," adding that although the compound is in an early stage of research, "hopefully companies will eventually license and develop it as a product." The article also discusses findings from a study by an Indiana University School of Medicine researcher that "found that students who know their lifestyle puts them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases would be more likely to receive an HIV vaccination" if it were available, but that they would be less likely to get a vaccine if they are worried about what others might think of them (Heavin, 8/3).