Research fails to stop HIV in the gut

Scientists have failed to make developments regarding the use of current antiretroviral drugs in combating the HIV virus in the gut.

Doctors have failed to eradicate the disease from patients receiving anti-HIV therapies, due to its persistence in hideouts known as viral reservoirs, particularly found in the gut.

However, recent research into the eradication of HIV from the gut has failed, according to Tae-Wook Chun, of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR).

Recent research by scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center, 'good' bacteria could help prevent the transmission of HIV.

It was found that women with hydrogen-peroxide-producing Lactobacillus in the vagina had lower levels of the HIV virus in genital secretions.

"Sexual activity is the most common mode of transmission of HIV," said researcher Amneris Luque, associate professor of medicine and medical director of the Aids Center at Strong Memorial Hospital.

"Perhaps we can make it less likely to spread by somehow taking advantage of good bacteria as a natural way to stop HIV and prevent transmission. These findings are striking, though preliminary, and should be looked at further."

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