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New Condoms to ‘Completely Inactivate’ HIV
A permanent solution to the spread of AIDS could be round the bend as Canadian researchers say they may have found a solution to the humble condom’s fatal flaw – nanoparticles.
Researchers say Photodisc Nanoparticles may be the solution to condoms’ 15% failure rate.
Condoms have a 15% failure rate, so a University of Manitoba team tried soaking condoms in a solution packed with “remarkable” microscopic silver nanoparticles, and the treated condoms appeared to kill all HIV and herpes in lab experiments, the scientists reported.
This could be a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS worldwide. The AIDS scourge is responsible for the deaths of more than half the world’s population and continues to spread at an alarming rate.
Yet how, exactly, the silver nanoparticles neutralize HIV and other viruses is still a bit of mystery. It could be the particles or the silver ions they release attach to the virus and prevent it from binding to cell “receptors” in the host’s body, said Dr. Yao, a medical microbiologist. Or they could actually change a key protein on the virus’s surface, and in that way stop it from sticking to host cells. Some condoms are now treated with an anti-microbial substance, called Nonoxynol-9. Recent studies, though, have shown that N-9 can trigger inflammation and ulceration in the genitals, actually making infection more likely.
The silver nanoparticles do not cause inflammation, said Dr. Yao. The nano-treated condoms have the added advantage of being quickly discarded, meaning the potentially toxic metal does not linger in users’ bodies, the study notes.
The research is still in its early stages, however, with animal studies on the nanoparticle contraceptives the next step, and possible entry on the market relatively far off.
Dr. Julio Montaner, one of Canada’s leading HIV scientists, said the idea is “intriguing” and welcome in the field.
Meanwhile, though, the most significant problem with condoms is not the 15% that fail to prevent STIs, but the fact many people simply neglect to use them.
“Unfortunately, at the most critical moment when these decisions are so important, people’s judgment may be impaired,” said Dr. Montaner. “At the end of the day, if they stay in the pocket, it’s not going to do the job.”
As well as providing extra protection to sexual partners when a condom fails, nanotechnology could have other benefits, too, said Dr. Yao. There are reports from developing countries such as India of children and others finding and touching used condoms, then contracting STIs, he said. Treated with nanosilver, the chances of discarded condoms infecting anyone might be greatly reduced.
Nationalpost.com
Posted by
TimZ
November 9, 2012 at 11:49 am
It sounds good, but pipo shud jst change da attitudes towards condoms & sexual life.
KUSKO
November 9, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Iam sure it will prove to be worse than unprotected coz too much cemmicals.
polepole
November 9, 2012 at 12:44 pm
This silver thing is not new, it was first documented by a Dr Antelman and here in Zambia The Angoni guy was distributing it to AIDS patients through Injections but did not get support from authorities.Please google Tetrasil and get more on the silver killing HIV.
Sido
November 9, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Tuleikalafye you wil end up cleating more diseases
PECKXXIEY.P
November 9, 2012 at 1:11 pm
leave aids alone.
Elijah Opel
November 9, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Anyway its a good idea but let’s as well try to stick to one partner as the bible recommends.Remember their will never be a spare heart once you die that will mark the end of you.
mando*
November 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm
be changed please
NDIYO ZO PULAMA
November 9, 2012 at 2:07 pm
eyama nasana iyo people
winna
November 9, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Pipo need to be careful cause those same condoms could be carrying aids. Why can’t they get sondashi medicine or the gambian one which treats aids. Somethin is wrong
Mr. MUZO
November 9, 2012 at 3:07 pm
of course you cant get support for aids cure how will NGOs survive if a cure is readily available? thats business and politics at its best….God help Africa
Mosquito
November 9, 2012 at 11:15 pm
Ala nga wafula ninshi nausebana kale eco wingalabikilako condom ni chinshi, kulya LIVE
muslims knw the cure of AIDS
November 10, 2012 at 3:30 pm
al khouf min rabbak hiya 7al alwa7eed bas!
Dr satan.
November 10, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Are they on the market yet?
How much are they costing
What are the known side effects?
RCK
November 10, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Manje vi za mupayni mu 2days ba fikala!
Candy
November 12, 2012 at 10:53 am
I do hope such condoms will not find their way to Zambia as they will likely cause more harm than good.The researchers themselves do not know how the Silver nanoparticles neutralizes HIV and they expect pipo to use them just like that.Lets just stick to our one love kwasila…