German AIDS researchers have found a protein in semen that raises the infectious potential of HIV 100,000-fold, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle (sfgate.com, 12/14).
The Chronicle notes that scientists at Germany’s University of Ulm were screening molecules from semen samples, looking for some that naturally blocked HIV. They instead found protein fragments that exponentially increased the virus’s transmissibility.
“I was so surprised that I did not believe the numbers,” said Dr. Frank Kirchhoff, at the University of Ulm. “But we did the experiment multiple times, and the results were always the same.”
Some experts hope that the discovery of the protein could help in the development of a microbicide, a vaginal cream or gel that could protect sex partners from contracting HIV. Others, the Chronicle adds, feel that the results are a long way from offering any practical benefits.
“It is a surprising finding, but I would be cautious about how important this is going to be,” said Dr. Tony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He said that sexual transmission is only one means of HIV infection, and that other factors—such as genital ulcers caused by diseases including herpes and syphilis—also play a role in transmission of HIV.
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comments 1 - 4 (of 4 total)
Reginald Taylor, Brooklyn, NY, 2007-12-20 20:55:39
I am very interested in this finding, I discovered that I was HIV+ as a result of a finding that my blood had a high protien content. Originally, by a Dr's diagnosis thouht I had Mutilple Myeloma, (Bone Cancer). My question is what within semen protien is being measured, please clarify for me. Thank you.
Ivan, , 2007-12-18 11:59:46
Hello everyone,
I'm happy to hear that research is being done. My fear is that now with this information, people in the general public will think HIV is even more easily transmitted and it will be harder to find a negative partner. I wish there was some mention that this has always been the case, etc.
Joe De Hoyos, San Francisco, 2007-12-18 11:15:55
Protein was recently found in my urine after a few of my recent lab tests. Could this segnal protein in my semen as well?
Rayford Kytle, Washington, DC, 2007-12-18 10:03:36
So what does this mean? Is unprotected oral sex more dangerous than we thought? Prevention messages are unbelievably confusing. It would help to address this.
Beth Benne, RN, is HIV negative, but
the virus has impacted her life. She currently supervises a biannual HIV/AIDS awareness week as
the director of the student health center at Pierce College, a
community commuter school in Woodland Hills, California.
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Overheard in the Women's Forum
"I recently met a guy who is negative. I did tell him about my status and he decided to kiss me anyway (we didn't go further than that). But a day later, he called and said that he actually had a mouth ulcer that time when we kissed and he was very worried. Asked if he can get the virus from me that way. For that moment, I felt so insulted and yet I felt so bad. It was my first time having a contact with a "negative" guy."
