Antiretroviral drug concentrations in the male and female genital tract: implications for the sexual transmission of HIV.
Taylor S., Davies S.
Purpose of reviewTo summarize the recent literature (2008-2010) on antiretroviral (ARV) drug disposition into the male and female genital tract.Recent findingsRecent studies have confirmed that penetration of antiretroviral agents into the male and female genital tracts are both drug and sex specific. Concentrations achieved vary considerably depending on the class of drug studied, the sampling techniques used and the times samples are obtained.SummaryThere appear to be several patterns of drug penetration into the male and female genital tract. In addition there appear to be different patterns of genital shedding under the influence of antiretroviral therapy. What effect these factors will have on the sexual transmission of HIV or the evolution and transmission of resistant HIV remains to be seen.