A new research study by the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina says sperm may play a leading role in spreading HIV.
During sexual intercourse, HIV-infected men transmit HIV through their semen, which carries free-floating virus as well as HIV-infected leukocytes. Traces of HIV have been detected on sperm as well, but the role they play in viral transmission has been a matter of debate. After all, men with vasectomies can transmit HIV. Now, Ceballos et al. show that HIV attaches to the surface of sperm and that these HIV carriers pass on the virus to DCs and other HIV targets.
The sperm can transmit HIV to macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), which can then pass the virus along to T Cells. T Cells are a type of white blood cell key to upholding the immune system.
Sperm can transmit to DCs via microabrasions in the vaginal or anal lining during sex. Additionally, it was found that the pH level similar to that found in the vagina, promotes HIV-sperm binding.
In other words, shag your damn brains out, just wear a condom!
I know it’s a hard idea to consider, what with how much more sexually stimulating it is to have sex without a condom, but it’s not worth it if you contract the disease. Sometimes it’s better to just bypass the casual sex and one-night stands and find someone you like who you are sexually compatible with and trust enough to do so without the rubber.
Source: ScienceBlog
Comments
Amen to that.