Tj. Oconnor et al., THE ACTIVITY OF CANDIDATE VIRUCIDAL AGENTS, LOW PH AND GENITAL SECRETIONS AGAINST HIV-1 IN-VITRO, International journal of STD & AIDS, 6(4), 1995, pp. 267-272
The effect of low pH, normally present in the female genital tract, on
HIV visibility was examined. HIV is more acid stable than previously
reported with no substantial reduction in infectivity occurring until
pH levels are reduced below 4.5. The virucidal activity of 3 topical s
permicides and chlorhexidine was assessed in vitro using previously es
tablished and newly modified assay systems. None of the agents tested
had a selectivity index (SI) greater than 5.2. Semen and cervical secr
etions were assessed for their ability to inhibit HIV-1. While no viru
cidal effect was found in the latter, seminal fluid was found to have
significant activity against HIV-1 and a SI approximately 50.