Virus leakage through natural membrane condoms
Article Abstract:
Concern with the sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, has initiated a resurgence of interest in the use of condoms. Some condom users prefer the natural membrane type, which is made from the caecum of sheep. However, it is uncertain if the integrity of these natural membranes is sufficient to prevent the passage of virus. To evaluate the permeability of natural membrane condoms to viruses, virus-containing fluid was placed inside the condom, which was then placed in a beaker. Fluid was removed from the beaker after intervals of stirring and assayed for the presence of virus. Two viruses were used in the measurement, the bacteriophage phi-X174, which is small and easy to assay for, and Herpes simplex type 1, which is large and covered with an envelope, as is HIV. The results showed that viruses are sufficiently small to permeate the natural membrane condoms. There was a great deal of variability; 10 of 24 condoms of one brand leaked the smaller virus, as did 13 of 24 of the other brand tested. Even among the condoms which leaked virus, some leaked small amounts of virus and others leaked larger amounts. Of the condoms which leaked virus, only two leaked the larger herpesvirus, which provides some estimate of the exclusion capabilities of these condoms. The amount of smaller virus that passed through the condom was unrelated to the amount of larger virus that escaped. This study was performed under low-stress laboratory condition, and do not reflect conditions of actual condom usage during sexual intercourse. It was concluded that the natural membrane condom most likely does not provide adequate protection against viral leakage. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1990
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Evaluation of the virus permeability of a new condom for women
Article Abstract:
The safety of a new condom for women was evaluated in the laboratory using simulated sexual intercourse. The method included the use of a plastic syringe case and a foam rubber model. A suspension of cytomegalovirus or human immunodeficiency virus was placed within the condom. A second condom containing tissue culture medium was placed around the outside to catch any viruses that leaked through the condom. Incubation of the tissue culture medium with susceptible cell lines revealed that no detectable virus passed through the condom. Three repeated trials for each virus were all negative, indicating that the condom serves as an effective barrier for viruses. This condom for women is under development at the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Company. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1990
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An in vitro evaluation of condoms as barriers to a small virus
Article Abstract:
Most condoms appear to provide a significant protective barrier in preventing small virus transmission. Four hundred seventy latex condoms and 76 polyurethane condoms were tested for their ability to prevent small virus transmission under both typical and exaggerated use conditions. Only 2.6% of the latex samples and 5.3% of the polyurethane samples allowed the virus to pass through the condoms. There was no significant difference in the protective qualities of lubricated compared to unlubricated condoms.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1997
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