Microbicide

From Free net encyclopedia

A microbicide is any compound or substance whose purpose is to reduce the infectivity of microbes, viruses or bacteria. Some products incorporate Nonoxynol-9 towards these ends, but its irritating properties may also increase infectivity, thus making it less preferable. Work is currently being done on other compounds to provide safe, non-irritating, cheap and effective microbicides which do not include Nonoxynol-9.

Studies have shown that N-9 causes cells to shed during sex (particularly during anal sex), which means that N-9 actually facilitates HIV transmission.

A major push is being made toward development of a microbicide that would prevent HIV. It is hoped that these products would be produced inexpensively and distributed freely to women in poor countries. However, they would also be appropriate and useful to women in developed countries, as it is not only in developing countries that women can be disempowered and unable to negotiate condom use. This measure is seen as a way to counteract the detrimental effect which culturally-accepted abusive relationships can have on the sexual health of women.

The development of rectal microbicides is not as advanced as that of vaginal microbicides. Several biological differences (such as thinner epithelium, greater surface area, less elasticity) mean that a microbicide that is effective might not be effective when applied rectally. Therefore, increased investment in rectal microbicides is needed.

For more information on microbicides to prevent HIV/AIDS, visit: [1]

For information on rectal microbicides: [2]