"Detection of HIV-1 DNA Sequences in Pre-Ejaculatory Fluid"

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

"Detection of HIV-1 DNA Sequences in Pre-Ejaculatory Fluid"

Lancet (12/12/92) Vol. 340, No. 8833, P. 1469
Ilaria, Gerard et al.

Abstract: A significant proportion of HIV-1 positive men will have detectable levels of HIV-1 DNA sequences in pre-ejaculatory fluid, write Gerard Ilaria et al. of the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York, N.Y. The researchers conducted a study involving 14 HIV-1-positive men and 2 HIV-negative controls who provided pre-ejaculatory fluid specimens. The specimens consisted of 100-500 ul viscous fluid with white blood cells (WBC) and occasional epithelial cells, but no spermatozoa, although no man was azoospermic. Specimens from 6 of the 14 men (43 percent) tested repeatedly positive for HIV-1 DNA sequences in pre-ejaculatory fluid. Negative controls tested repeatedly negative. Mean age and serum CD4 counts were not significantly different for men who tested positive or negative for HIV-1 DNA sequences in pre-ejaculatory fluid. Ejaculated semen is produced by the prostate, seminal vesicles, vasa deferentia, epididymides, and testes, whereas pre-ejaculatory fluid is produced by the urethral and bulbourethral glands. The role of these glands is unknown, but may be related to prevention of urogential infection--suggested in part by the finding of lymphoid cells in the mucosa of the bulbourethral glands. Seminal fluid contains measurable amounts of HIV-1 DNA and RNA, thought to be predominantly linked with WBC fraction as well as cell-free seminal fluid. The anatomical source of HIV-positive WBC in seminal fluid is unknown. The researchers conclude that the WBC in pre-ejaculatory fluid contributes to HIV-1 transmission.

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