"Britain--AIDS Virus"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Britain--AIDS Virus"

Associated Press (12/11/92)
Epstein, Randi Hutter

Abstract: London--HIV can hide inside pre-ejaculatory fluid in men, as well as infecting semen, according to two studies of HIV-positive men published in the Dec. 12 Lancet. Dr. Peter Schlegel, co-author of one of the studies and associate professor of urology at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, said, "Many men believe oral sex without ejaculation is completely safe. That is clearly not the case based on the potential infectivity of this fluid." The second study was conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Boston University's School of Public Health. Both studies do not suggest the risk of contracting HIV by contact with pre-ejaculatory fluid. But author of the second study Dr. Jeffrey Pudney of Harvard urged additional research. Pre-ejaculatory fluid "is produced during sexual stimulation before intercourse, so placing a condom on the penis earlier may be important to prevent contact with this fluid, not just at the time of intercourse," said Schlegel. He added, "We're not talking about a lot of fluid, but a small amount of it may be important." The Cornell researchers investigated pre-ejaculatory fluid from 14 men with AIDS and two men without the virus. They discovered HIV and white blood cells in the fluid of six of the 14 men with AIDS. Neither was present in the two HIV-negative men. Pudney examined 12 samples of pre-ejaculatory fluid from nine men with HIV and 11 samples from six uninfected men. His team discovered HIV in pre-ejaculatory fluid from six of nine infected men but not in any samples from the uninfected men used as controls.

921211
AD922426

Copyright © 1992 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1992. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.