Male circumcision as a measure to control HIV infection and other sexuallytransmitted diseases

There is growing epidemiological evidence from sub-Saharan Africa that male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. We review the recent evi dence of the protective effect on HIV and other sexually transmitted diseas es, including discussion of possible biological mechanisms and highlighting the limitations of the observational studies on which these findings are b ased. We conclude by discussing the public health implications of these fin dings, including issues such as safety, acceptability, feasibility and cost -effectiveness of promoting male circumcision in African populations. Curr Opin Infect Dis 14:71-75. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.