Protein in semen may increase likelihood of HIV transmission,
"German AIDS researchers have discovered a protein common in semen that boosts the infectious potential of HIV 100,000-fold," according to a study published in the Dec. 13 issue of the journal Cell. The Chronicle notes that this finding was possible because of "advanced techniques in laboratory screening for tiny proteins," at least 900 of which are found "in human semen, and these proteins in turn break down into smaller molecular chains that also may carry out important biological tasks."
According to lead researcher Frank Kirchoff, of the University of Ulm in Germany, "[f]iber-like fragments of protein in semen capture HIV viruses, then ferry and attach them to immune cells, where they begin attacking the body's protection." Anthony Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that the finding "may help scientists design more efficient ways to halt infection during sex."
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