Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:15
Humanized NOG Mice for Intravaginal HIV Exposure and Treatment of HIV Infection
Published on: January 31, 2020
Systemic preexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus infection
Frank Romanelli1, Brian Murphy
1Colleges of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA. froma2@uky.edu
Pharmacotherapy
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using antiretrovirals shows promise for preventing HIV transmission in at-risk individuals. However, knowledge and use of PrEP are currently limited, necessitating further research and ethical considerations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy has improved HIV management, increasing life expectancy.
- HIV infection rates remain stable but are rising in specific groups.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strategy to reduce HIV transmission in at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and current status of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
- To discuss the scientific basis, preliminary data, and ongoing research for PrEP.
- To highlight challenges including limited knowledge, ethical issues, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on antiretroviral use for HIV prevention.
- Analysis of animal studies on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) prevention.
- Discussion of ongoing and planned human clinical trials, including tenofovir-disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine regimens.
- Survey of at-risk populations regarding PrEP awareness and usage intentions.
Main Results:
- Animal studies support the potential efficacy of PrEP for HIV prevention in humans.
- Clinical trials are investigating tenofovir-disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine-based regimens.
- Awareness and routine use of PrEP among at-risk individuals are very limited.
- Ethical considerations and cost-effectiveness are significant factors for future implementation.
Conclusions:
- PrEP is a promising intervention for HIV prevention, supported by preclinical and early clinical data.
- Widespread adoption of PrEP is hindered by limited knowledge, ethical concerns, and unproven cost-effectiveness.
- Further research and clinical investigations are crucial to optimize PrEP use and address implementation challenges.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...