CARRAGEENAN-BASED NONOXYNOL-9 SPERMICIDES FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Background and Objectives: Carrageenan-based nonoxynol-9 (N-9)-contain ing formulations were developed in response to the concern that over t he counter (OTC) spermicides may not protect people from HIV infection and other sexually transmitted pathogens. Goal of this Study: The goa l of this study was to compare the efficacy of carrageenan-based formu lations to OTC spermicides in protecting mice from infection by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Study Design: Mice were challenged with vagi nal inoculation of HSV-2 after pretreatment with test formulations. Re sults: Carrageenan-based formulations were significantly more effectiv e than currently marketed spermicides containing the same amount of N- 9. Efficacy was demonstrated over a aide pH range. The carrageenan-bas ed formulations could be autoclaved without losing antiviral activity and remained active in the vagina for several hours. Conclusions: We c onclude that carrageenan-based N-9 formulations are likely to provide a more significant degree of protection against HSV-2 and other envelo ped viruses than current OTC spermicides while providing comparable sp ermicidal activity.