Determination of HIV-1 Production by the Prostate
Virus present in semen likely contributes substantially to the sexual transmission of HIV.
However, the source of HIV in semen is unknown. Some evidence suggests that the prostate
may be the source of at least some of the virus in semen. This study is designed to
determine whether the prostate may serve as the source of virus in semen by comparing the
concentration of HIV-1 RNA in semen donated normally, in semen obtained following prostatic
massage, and in expressed prostatic secretions. Finding a source for semen HIV would
provide important insights into several aspects of HIV sexual transmission. Since some
drugs do not enter the prostate well, the finding that virus is produced in the prostate
might suggest the prostate could serve as a reservoir for HIV, leading to the development of
resistance to antiviral agents.
Observational
N/A
United States: Federal Government
970158
NCT00001584
July 1997
April 2001
Name | Location |
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National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |