Important note: Information in this article was accurate in December 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
This study was presented at the 39th ICAAC by J. Pauk, MD, and colleagues from the University of Washington in Seattle. One hundred men who have sex with men (79% HIV negative) were recruited for the study. Thirty-three were KSHV (also called human herpesvirus type 8 or HHV-8) positive. Twelve of the 33 men were also infected with HIV, while the other 21 were HIV negative. Participants completed questionnaires and samples were taken from inside the mouth, nose, urethra (penis tip), rectum, and prostate (internal male gland) after prostate massage. Semen and blood samples were also evaluated. Results of the multivariate analysis showed that HHV-8 positivity was significantly associated with each of the following: (1) sex with a partner who had Kaposi's sarcoma (KS); (2) deep oral kissing with a partner who was HIV positive; and (3) use of amyl nitrate ("poppers") during sex. Among samples with a strong laboratory signal for KSHV, 81% were from inside the mouth. The other 19% were from either semen, the rectum, urethra, or prostate. Other studies have not detected KSHV in semen of men with KS. The study authors concluded that higher KSHV risk among men who have sex with men "is likely due to exposure to the saliva of HIV positive/HHV-8 positive immunocompromised men."
Clarithromycin is used to prevent and treat MAC, a common life-threatening condition in HIV positive persons before the era of HAART. A new extended-release formulation of the drug will be available in 500 mg and 1,000 mg tablets, allowing once-daily dosing. Lead author of the presentation at the 39th ICAAC was Linda E. Gustavson, PhD, of Abbott Laboratories.
991210
BE991219
Copyright © 1999 - San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Reproduced by permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through BETA: PO Box 426182, San Francisco, CA 94142-6182. Tel: 415 487 8060 Fax: 415 487 8069 URL: http://www.sfaf.org/beta E-mail: beta@sfaf.org
ÆGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
ÆGiS 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 ©1990, 2000. ÆGiS & the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. All materials appearing on ÆGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of ÆGIS and the Sisters of Saint. Elizabeth of Hungary, or the party credited as the provider of the content.