How does the microflora of male genitalia system affect HIV infection?
Scientists at the George Washington University in the United States are launching a new study to determine what role the microbiome (microflora) of the urogenital tract might play in HIV infection. The purpose of the five-year trial is to find new solutions aimed at reducing sexual transmission of HIV. The article was published in GWTODAY magazine.
We already know that the microflora of female genitals can be associated with an increased risk of premature birth, surgical infections, sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Now the researchers plan to find out how various factors affect the formation of genital microflora in men.
As part of the study the researchers want to find answers to several questions, such as:
- Why are men with a higher number of certain genital bacteria more likely to contract HIV?
- Where did these bacteria come from?
- What factors cause the transmission of anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not produce in the presence of oxygen)?
- How do antibiotic treatment and sexual active affect the microbiome of male genitals?
“There has been much more focus on studying the female genital microbiome,” said Cindy Liu, associate professor of environmental and occupational health and chief medical officer at the GW Antibiotic Resistance Action Center.
“My team and my collaborators are one of the very few groups focused on studying the male genital microbiome, which can have important implications for male and female reproductive health since we expect that genital microbiome can be shared by sexual partners.”
Knowledge and understanding gained from this study could be used to develop new ways to protect people from HIV in the future, Liu believes.
