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Researchers have found a way to naturally prevent HIV infection
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Donkey Inc. and the National Cancer Institute (USA) have developed a new method of preventing HIV infection by causing bacteria naturally found in the human vagina to block the transmission of the immunodeficiency virus during sexual contact.
To mobilize the microbes, they had to be worked on at the molecular level. The experiment was conducted on macaques, which are prone to the so-called simian immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). Modified bacteria were introduced into the vaginal cavities of laboratory primates. The result: almost two-thirds of the animals avoided "forced" infection.
Lactobacilli, which live in secluded places in women, bring great benefits even without scientific experiments, protecting women's organisms from all sorts of non-lethal sexually transmitted infections. Scientists from the Cancer Institute some time ago synthesized a protein with which various drugs can be tested for antiviral activity. The bacterium Lactobacillus Jensenii passed the test, and employees of the pharmaceutical concern decided to work with its anti-infective qualities. They forced the bacillus to secrete the same protein, Cyanovirin-N, during its life cycle.
The modified microbe was introduced into the microflora of macaques, and a 63% increase in antiviral resistance was found in the monkeys, which can now, with some stretching, be called completely natural.
The employees of "Donkey Incorporated" are full of optimistic forecasts, since the strain of lactobacilli mobilized by them is able to establish colonies in women's organisms without difficulty and side effects. Better than in macaques. Therefore, the predicted percentage of protection is higher.
Currently, women on all continents use such a biological shield against HIV as "Mukosept". However, this microbial preparation must be taken before each sexual intercourse. The new product based on modified lactobacilli will allow protection against infection for a long time. It promises to be quite cheap, which is important for working with risk groups in poor African communities.
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