[Study of HIV localization in sperm]

The aim of the study was to investigate the presence and the localization of HIV in human ejaculate and its different components. Sixty-three ejaculates from 19 HIV-positive patients have been studied. By using cellular as well as molecular biology methods, we never detected HIV in living and mobile spermatozoa although we sometime found the virus in seminal liquid and in nuclear fractions. Up to date, frozen sperms free of HIV particles from 11 HIV-positive male partners were used to inseminate safely and with success the 11 HIV-negative female partners (no female partner as well as babies contamination). In conclusion, our procedure of HIV-free spermatozoa screening allowed discordant couples to have HIV-negative descendants. In contrast to the natural coïtus in ovulated period or to insemination with washed spermatozoa that are really "Russian roulette", our procedure ensure a total security of no contamination for the pregnant mother.