Concept approved at the June 2001 Council Request for Applications (RFA)
Division of Extramural Research
AIDS Program
Title:
Oral Transmission of HIV Infection/AIDS
Objective:
To solicit R01 research proposals that will expand research on the oral transmission or inhibition of oral transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Description:
The primary mode of HIV transmission worldwide is by exposure to the virus at vaginal, rectal and oral mucosal surfaces. Transmission via the vagina and rectum appears to be far greater than that via the mouth/throat. The lower transmission rates of HIV via the oral route are leading many individuals to the false conclusion that oral sex is safe from the risk of HIV infection. Epidemiological data support the premise that, whereas HIV transmission via saliva is low or non-existent, oral infection with HIV in semen appears to be possible. Animal studies confirm that HIV can be transmitted via the oral tissues. In addition, mucosal lymphoid cells in the oral epithelia and tonsils, as well as the salivary glands, appear to be a target of HIV infection and a possible reservoir of infectious HIV. In this regard, oral tissues can be infected in vivo and in vitro, and can support viral replication. Oral trauma, ulcers, drug use, smoking, co-infection with oral herpes, sexually transmitted bacterial diseases (e.g., oral gonorrhea) or periodontal disease might increase oral HIV transmission.
Although research will be encouraged in almost all areas of oral transmission, this initiative will emphasize the following types of studies:
- Prevention of postnatal transfer of HIV to infants via the oral route
- Fundamental pathogenic mechanisms associated with oral transmission, and a comparison with transmission via rectal and vaginal routes.
- Basic studies on how the virus enters the tissues, the first and subsequent cells infected, and role of co-infections and host factors in infection.
- International studies that use a unique patient population for studies of oral transmission.
- Inhibition of HIV oral transmission by oral components, and the development of potential HIV-inactivating/inhibiting substances.
All proposals will be encouraged to include studies on the effects of gender, age, race and ethnicity on oral transmission of HIV.
Contact:
Dennis Mangan, Ph.D.
Infectious Diseases and Immunity Branch
Phone: 301 594-2421
Fax: 301 480-8318
Email: Dennis.Mangan@nih.gov