Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

06:38
Use of the Soft-agar Overlay Technique to Screen for Bacterially Produced Inhibitory Compounds
Published on: January 14, 2017
Carrageenan/MIV-150 (PC-815), a combination microbicide
José A Fernández-Romero1, Mitchell Thorn, Stuart G Turville
1Population Council, New York, NY, USA.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|August 23, 2006
Summary
The novel microbicide PC-815, combining carrageenan and MIV-150, shows enhanced efficacy against HIV-1 and HIV-2 compared to Carraguard alone in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developing effective microbicides is crucial for HIV prevention.
- Carraguard is a known microbicide, but improved efficacy is desired.
- Novel combinations aim to enhance protection against HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of PC-815, a novel microbicide.
- To compare PC-815 (carrageenan + MIV-150) with Carraguard alone.
- To assess the impact of seminal fluid on microbicide activity.
Main Methods:
- Microtiter syncytial assay used for evaluation.
- Assessed antiviral and virucidal activity of MIV-150.
- Investigated additive effects and seminal fluid interference.
Main Results:
- MIV-150 demonstrated effective inactivation of free HIV.
- PC-815 showed an additive antiviral effect.
- PC-815 was approximately 10 times more potent than Carraguard (EC50).
- Seminal fluid did not affect the antiviral activity.
Conclusions:
- PC-815 is theoretically more efficacious than Carraguard.
- The combination microbicide PC-815 shows promise for HIV prevention.
