Connect with us

Health

Molecule that targets HIV in semen to prevent infection

Published

on

New York: A tweezer shaped molecule that targets the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in semen can help prevent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted viral diseases, new research has found.

The researchers believe that the compound could be incorporated into a vaginal or anal gel to prevent HIV infection – without the risk of side effects.

Semen, the male reproductive fluid that contains deposits of protein fragments called amyloid fibrils is the main vector for sexual HIV transmission.

The researchers found that the “molecular tweezer” called CLR01, not only not only destroys HIV particles but also blocks the infection-promoting activity of semen amyloids.

“We think that CLR01 could be more effective than other microbicides that are in development because of its dual action, its safety in terms of side effects and its potential broad application,” said James Shorter, professor at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the US.

“The tweezer has been tested and is safe in zebrafish and mice. The next step could be to assess safety and efficacy in non-human primates,” professor Jan Munch from University of Ulm in Germany pointed out.

Semen contains proteins that assemble into amyloid fibrils, which can enhance HIV infectivity by up to 10,000 times.

The antiviral activity of CLR01 is based on the way it selectively interacts with and destroys the viral membrane.

The way CLR01 operates means that it is also effective against many other sexually transmitted viruses, including Hepatitis C and viruses in the herpes family.

It may also be effective against many other “enveloped” viruses including flu and Ebola, the study said.

The use of other preventive treatments has been undermined in some countries by the stigma associated with HIV.

As CLR01 is effective against many viruses besides HIV, it could be more widely acceptable as a general protective agent in communities struggling with HIV stigma, suggested the study detailed in the journal eLife.

Corona

Covid toll in Karnataka is a worrying sign for state government

Published

on

 

Even though Karnataka recorded the lowest number of Covid deaths in April since the virus struck first in 2020, the state is recording a rise in the positivity rate (1.50 per cent). Five people died from the Covid infections in April as per the statistics released by the state health department. In March, the positivity rate stood around 0.53 per cent. In the first week of April it came down to 0.38 per cent, second week registered 0.56 per cent, third week it rose to 0.79 per cent and by end of April the Covid positivity rate touched 1.19 per cent.

on an average 500 persons used to succumb everyday in the peak of Covid infection, as per the data. Health experts said that the mutated Coronavirus is losing its fierce characteristics as vaccination, better treatment facilities and awareness among the people have contributed to the lesser number of Covid deaths.

During the 4th and 6th of April two deaths were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gadag district on April 8, two deaths were reported from Belagavi and Vijayapura on April 30. The first Covid case was reported in the state in March 2020 and three Covid deaths were recorded in the month. In the following month 21 people became victims to the deadly virus, and May 2020 recorded 22 deaths. The death toll recorded everyday after May crossed three digits. However, the third wave, which started in January 2

Continue Reading

Trending