Posted on 03/05/2009 12:32:08 AM PST by jerry557
WEDNESDAY, March 4 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists report that a common germ-killing compound prevented transmission of an HIV-like virus in five female monkeys, an encouraging sign that it might also work in humans.
The research is still in its early stages. However, the researchers said the compound could eventually make its way into sexual lubricants that women could use to avoid infection with the virus that causes AIDS.
"It's a promising lead that we're on to something that's a different way to approach the problem of prevention," said study co-author Dr. Ashley T. Haase, head of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Minnesota.
---snip----
In the new research, researchers examined a compound called glycerol monolaurate, which is recognized as safe. It's found in products ranging from ice cream to cosmetics and kills a variety of germs in addition to helping substances mix properly, said study co-author Patrick M. Schlievert, a professor of biology at the University of Minnesota.
In the new study, researchers tested the compound on five female rhesus macaques that were vaginally exposed to the monkey equivalent of the AIDS virus. The findings were published in the March 4 online issue of Nature.
The monkeys avoided infection. Four out of five other monkeys who weren't treated with the compound developed infections after being exposed.
The next step is to move on to studies that will confirm the compound works and to try to find doses that "are more applicable to the real world," Haase said.
----snip----
The good news: The compound would cost less than a cent for each dose for a woman, Schlievert said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Yippee! Does that mean we can get rid of the overcoats?
After all this agony and so many deaths, it’s that simple?
Well it isn’t a cure. And sex is not the only way the virus is spread (ie: dirty needles). But it may possibly be another weapon to help combat the spread of the virus.
As will genocide...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.