Researchers find topical microbicide inhibits HIV infection

In order to help reduce the number of people who are infected with HIV through sexual intercourse, researchers have developed a vaginal microbicide. They believe this product may help silence genes that aid in the replication of HIV-infected immune cells in the body, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The scientists explained that they worked with small pieces of RNA called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to try to deactivate the expression of individual genes be using complementary sequences. They noted that a single dose of the microbicide was able to silence these genes and thwart HIV infection for as long as one week after laboratory rodents were exposed to the virus.

"The current model of HIV transmission holds that the virus is localized to the genital tract for about a week, which could provide a window of opportunity to intervene and prevent the infection from establishing itself throughout the body," said lead researcher Judy Lieberman.

Research into HIV vaccines and methods of preventing the spread of the virus has been ongoing, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 1.1 million Americans are living with the disease.