Microscopic evidence against HIV-1 infection of germ cells or attachment to sperm (vol 41, pg 105, 1998)

For a number of years we have intensively investigated the localization of HIV-1 in male genital tract tissues and secretions using a variety of micro scopy techniques including immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, in s itu PCR and electron microscopy. Our studies have failed to demonstrate an association between HIV-1 and either testicular germ cells or spermatozoa. In this article we present our results in the context of other related stud ies, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques that have b een used to address this important research question. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.