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Testing of viscous anti-HIV microbicides using Lactobacillus
B J Moncla1, K Pryke, L C Rohan
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. bjm4@pitt.edu
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|January 10, 2012
Summary
Topical microbicides for HIV prevention must be safe for vaginal Lactobacillus. While most tested drugs were safe, PSC-RANTES showed toxicity. A new Lactobacillus toxicity test was developed to assess product safety.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Topical microbicides are crucial for HIV prevention.
- Vaginal Lactobacillus species are essential for maintaining vaginal health.
- Assessing the safety of microbicides on Lactobacillus is vital for product development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxicity of anti-HIV drugs and microbicide formulations on vaginal Lactobacillus species.
- To develop and validate a new assay, the Lactobacillus toxicity test, for assessing product safety.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Lactobacillus species to pure drugs (dapivirine, tenofovir, UC781, PSC-RANTES) and formulated products (films, gels).
- Development of the Lactobacillus toxicity test involving vortex mixing and assessment of bacterial viability.
- Evaluation of protective agents (serum, albumin, glycerol) and formulation excipients.
Main Results:
- Dapivirine, tenofovir, and UC781 were not toxic to Lactobacillus.
- PSC-RANTES demonstrated toxicity to Lactobacillus jensenii strains.
- Vortex mixing significantly reduced Lactobacillus viability, but this was mitigated by serum or albumin.
- Formulation excipients and films offered protection against vortex-induced killing.
Conclusions:
- Most tested anti-HIV drugs are safe for vaginal Lactobacillus.
- PSC-RANTES poses a potential risk to the vaginal microbiome.
- The developed Lactobacillus toxicity test is relevant for evaluating the safety of viscous microbicide products.
