New discovery may lead to safer HIV treatment

While no one wants to develop any sexually transmitted disease (STD), the most commonly feared is HIV. That's because unlike many other STDs, there is no known cure for HIV and the infection is potentially fatal. Practicing safe sex is the best way to avoid contracting this disorder, and having open communication with a partner about sexual health can encourage positive habits.

Recently, there has been some hope that a potential cure may be on the horizon for this dangerous infection. Researchers at Children's Hospital in Boston now believe that engineered fatty particles called liposomes could effectively block the virus from spreading. Scientist Daniel Kohane, M.D., said he and his colleagues were planing more extensive tests that involved a variety of compounds, but found that to be unnecessary.

"It was a surprise that liposomes alone worked so well. Simplicity is always better - if liposomes work by themselves, we may not need anything else, and it would be cheaper and potentially much safer," said Kohane.

While not ready to be tested on humans, liposome tests on mice showed positive HIV-blocking results without harmful side effects. Study authors expressed hope that continued research will lead to new, safer and more effective HIV treatments.