NONOXYNOL-9 ENHANCES RECTAL INFECTION BY HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS IN MICE

Pretreating the rectum oi mice with nonoxynol-9 (N9) or spermicides co ntaining N9 before infecting via the rectal route with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) increased the likelihood oi infection and shortened th e time until infection. Microscopic analysis indicated that N9 rapidly caused exfoliation of the rectal epithelium, exposing the underlying connective tissue. These findings suggest that use of N9-containing pr oducts during rectal intercourse may increase the risk of infection wi th HSV-2 or other sexually transmitted pathogens. CONTRACEPTION 1998;5 7: 341-348 (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.