A new study addresses a different mode of HIV transmission that is of fundamental importance for HIV prevention in heterosexual men.
- In heterosexual men, HIV infection most often passes through the penis.
- The virus then infects the entire male genital tract which generates contaminated semen.
- Prophylactic antiviral therapy can prevent penile infection.
HIV is a viral disease that affects nearly 38 million people worldwide according to the WHO (World Health Organization). About 700,000 men are newly infected each year, mainly sexually. In heterosexual men, the infection is most often acquired through the penis. And semen has been recognized as the main vehicle for vaginal and rectal transmission of HIV.
Thus, determining the origin of the virus present in semen is very important for the implementation of new therapies aimed at effectively reducing HIV transmission. Symptoms may not appear immediately after infection, and infection can have serious long-term health consequences if not treated properly.
Understand how HIV is acquired through the penis
Scientists from the University of North Carolina sought to understand how HIV is acquired via the penis and where the virus is produced in the male reproductive tract. They discovered that transmission of HIV through the penis could lead to replication of the virus throughout the reproductive tract. And they demonstrated that the spread of infection led to a dramatic reduction in CD4 T cells, key components of the immune system present in these organs.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent penile infection
The scientists also demonstrated how pre-exposure prophylaxis with an antiviral drug can prevent penile infection. Until then, work on HIV infection in men focused on rectal transmission and its prevention. The researchers therefore widened their field of research by focusing on the transmission of HIV through the penis, because this is still poorly understood. The results of this study are promising and pave the way for new approaches to prevent HIV transmission among heterosexual men.
Necessary preventive measures against HIV
This discovery is an important step to better understand the different modes of HIV transmission and to develop more effective preventive treatments. In the fight against HIV, prevention is indeed essential. To protect yourself, the best strategy is to use condoms consistently when having sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown. People who engage in risky sexual behavior can also take additional steps to protect themselves, such as getting regular HIV testing or using pre-exposure prophylaxis.
In addition, stigma and discrimination against people with HIV are major barriers to the prevention and treatment of this disease. It is therefore important to continue awareness-raising efforts and to fight against stigmatization so that each person can have access to the necessary care.
