SA trying new anti-Aids tool

2008-07-22 21:24

Cape Town - Researchers in South Africa are investigating whether taking Aids drugs daily will prevent infections among gay and bisexual men, in the latest effort to combat the pandemic.

In a study launched on Tuesday, researchers want to find out whether antiretroviral drugs normally used by people who already are HIV-positive could protect those at higher risk of infection, a concept referred to as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Researcher Linda-Gail Bekker said at the launch: "It's early days, but very exciting. It's another strategy, it gives us hope that maybe we can beat this pandemic."

The study targets men who have sex with other men because they have been found to be at higher risk of HIV infection than other sexual groups.

'Has a chance of working'

South Africa has one of the world's highest incidences of HIV that can lead to Aids, with an estimated 500 000 people infected each year. About 1 000 die every day from Aids-related illnesses.

"In terms of concept ... it (PrEP) looks like it has a chance of working," said Bekker, likening it to oral contraceptives used to help prevent pregnancy.

"I'm not sure that it's going to be the silver bullet, I doubt that. I think its going to be, hopefully, another strategy in our armour," she added.

South Africa is the only African country selected to take part in the international study, which includes Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Thailand and the United States.

Results from the global PrEP study, which will enrol 3 000 high-risk men who have sex with men, is expected towards the end of 2010.

- Reuters