Microbicides 2004 Microbicides 200428-31 March 2004, Hilton London MetropoleThe conference42 million men, women and children worldwide were living with HIV by the end of December 2002 (source: UNAIDS), including five million newly-infected during that year alone. Another 45 million people will become infected between 2002 and 2010, unless the current transmission rates can be vastly reduced. Of the 42 million, 29.4 million live in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of them are women. Not only are women more susceptible to HIV infection, many are powerless to insist on the use of condoms or other methods of protecting themselves. In this context, and with the knowledge that an effective HIV vaccine is unlikely to be available for several years, the need for an effective topical microbicide grows ever more urgent. 2004 should prove to be a landmark year in the field of microbicide development as the first Phase III trials of novel products are due to start – the next step along the road to making a microbicide available to the millions worldwide in desperate need of protection.The aims of the Microbicides 2004 conference are to:Report novel or innovative work in the microbicides fieldProvide updates on recent microbicides research, divided into three tracks: basic science, clinical science, and behavioural science (including public health and the microbicide marketplace)Provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in microbicide research including ethical, clinical, behavioural and methodological issuesPresent opportunities for knowledge-sharing between microbicide researchers, public-health workers and advocacy organisations.There will be an opening ceremony on the evening of Sunday 28 March at which politicians, policy makers and the international media are expected. The conference will run for a full three days, each of which will contain:Scientific overviews and presentations with plenary sessions, invited lecturers and presentations of original researchWorkshops to review issues unique to microbicides such as trial design and outcome measures, and ethical issues in the clinical trials of microbicidesPoster sessions. Focus on LondonFollowing the successful Microbicides conferences in Washington in 2000 and Antwerp in 2002, March 2004 sees the focus move to London.The venue is the Hilton Metropole Hotel, two minutes by taxi from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, with a journey time from the airport of 15 minutes. The hotel is in walking distance of Hyde Park and London’s main shopping streets, and close to Imperial College. Accommodation will be available at the venue and other hotels in the vicinity.London in March offers a variety of diversions for out-of-conference relaxation, including sight-seeing and shopping; the arts and the theatre; and pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Conference staff will be on hand to help delegates plan their spare time.To book your place or find out more information, e-mail info@microbicides2004.org.uk or telephone the Event Office on +44 (0) 20 7720 4411
Oral: invited speaker Oral: Track A Oral: Track B Oral: Track C Poster: Track A Poster: Track B Poster: Track C Abstract only Authors

MIH-03 ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE OF THREE MALE MICROBICIDES AMONG MEN ATTENDING AN STD CLINIC

Bukusi Elizabeth Anne(1,2); Steele M(3),Cohen C R (4)*,Nguti R N(3),Maingi C(1), Holmes K K (6)
1, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center For Microbiology Research, Nairobi, Kenya; 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; 3, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA 4, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA ; 5, Department of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, 6,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. * Current Affiliation, University of California, San Francisco.

Background: Men possibly carry the microorganisms that initiate and perpetuate bacterial vaginosis (BV), a risk factor in HIV acquisition. Postulating that use of topical microbicides could stem the initiation and recurrence of BV, we evaluated the safety and tolerability of three topical microbicide formulations (Purell-62% ethyl alcohol in a gel emollient and 1% and 4% benzalkonium chloride on a sanitary wipe) for use on male genitalia.

Methods: This triple randomized cross over study among men attending a referral STD clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, required individuals without clinical STD to use the 3 products in a pre-determined random order for 2 weeks each and compare them for safety and acceptability. Each 2-week cycle was followed by a one-week washout period. The men recorded possible side effects in a study diary and dermatological changes found during a physical examination were recorded at the end of every 2-week cycle.

Results: Thirty-nine men with a mean age 27 years were recruited and 33 completed the study. At enrolment, all participants reported sexual activity in the preceding week and a mean of 8 sexual partners in their lifetime. Over 80% found the products easy to use, and almost all (90%) were willing to use the products again and would recommend it to a friend. Men used one of the products for 60% of the days, with the greatest compliance recorded for Purell (76%). Use of one of the formulations before sex ranged from 19-24%. No significant dermatological complaints resulting from the use of the products were documented on examination during follow-up.

Conclusions: Although all three products were safe and well tolerated by this group of men, Purell emerged as the preferred formulation.

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi
Box 19464, CMR, KEMRI, post code 00202, KNH, Nairobi, Kenya
(Telephone) 254 733617503 (Fax) 254 20 2726626 (E-mail) ebukusi@ratn.org