Researchers aim to fight HIV infection with a patch

Scientists from Cardiff University's School of Medicine will investigate whether a vaccine patch containing thousands of microneedles may be able to inhibit HIV infection in individuals who are exposed to the virus.

The treatment is expected to enhance the body's natural immune response to infections like HIV and tuberculosis, helping prevent the progression of the disease and its transmission to others.

The investigators explained that the vaccine will target dendritic cells when applied to the skin prior to intercourse.

"Using small microneedles in a patch applied to the skin we hope we can target these cells more efficiently and help induce the body's immunity against HIV as well as other serious infections," said lead researcher Vincent Piguet.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV and an estimated 21 percent of infected individuals are unaware of their diagnosis. This may be worrisome since the organization recommends regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, in order to help slow the spread of the disease.