Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse between HIV-positive men and regular male partners in a Sydney
K Begley1, D J Chan, S Jeganathan
1Albion Street Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia. kim.begley@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
Blood plasma HIV-RNA load (BPVL) is the strongest predictor of HIV-1 transmission during sex. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is the highest risk activity for transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Awareness of BPVL may influence rates of UAI. We assessed whether optimism towards antiretroviral therapy (ART) and/or biomedical factors influenced sexual activities with regular partners. Questionnaires were administered to 109 HIV-positive MSM participating in a cross-sectional study of BPVL and seminal viral load. The survey assessed HIV transmission beliefs and sexual practices with regular male partners in the past three months. Sixty-nine of 109 (63.3%) had been in a regular relationship and 42 reported having had anal sex. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse without ejaculation (URAI - e) was associated with awareness that their most recent BPVL was detectable (>50 RNA copies/mL) and not taking ART. Receptive UAI with ejaculation (URAI + e) was associated with not taking ART, having a sexually transmissible infection and having an HIV-positive partner; the latter was also associated with insertive UAI with ejaculation (UIAI + e). Treatment optimism was not associated with UAI. In this cohort, sexual practices were based more upon knowledge of biomedical factors rather than attitudes regarding transmission risks.
Related Concept Videos
Amebiasis
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Genital Herpes
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Infertility in Males
