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

02217 HIV/STIs PREVENTION THROUGH MICROBICIDES: A STUDY SURVEY AMONG FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC ATTENDEES IN NIGERIA

Bankole Marian 1
Uwah.A.2, Bankole A.A. 3, Akinsinde K1.
1 Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, 2 Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba, 3 Lagos state Ministry of Health.

BACKGROUND: globally HI/STIs remain a major public health problem. Data on HIV/STI in Nigeria remain rudimentary, due to under-reporting. More than 90% of these infections are though heterosexual and unprotected sexual behaviours with women more vulnerable. Effective vaginal microbicide remain the only open hope in the prevention strategy,

OBJECTIVE: To assess HIV prevalence and conventional STDs among women attending Family Planning clinic in Lagos, Nigeria.

METHODS: Semi-structured questionnaires after informed consent, were administered by trained health personnel to 92 attendees. Demographic data gained were age, marital status, number of sexual partners, history of STDs and blood transfusion. Serum samples obtained were tested fro antibodies against HIV and syphilis. Sero- positive cases were confirmed by Western Blot for HIV and TPHA for Syphilis. Cervical swabs also collected were bacteriologically analysed. Study period was from November 2002 to September 2003. Ninety two (92) attendees made up of 55 married and 37 single women participated in the study.

RESULTS: Eight (8.7%) were infected with HIV, six were infected with HIV-1 and two were co-infected with HIV-1 and HIV-11. Conventional STDs were Treponemal pallidium (6%) Neisseria gonorrhoea (3%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4%), Staphylococcus aureus (8%) and Candida albicans (14%). 5% of the participants had two or more of the STI’s.

Products commonly used among participants include antiseptics, antifungal cream, foaming tablets, gels, condoms, antibiotics and vaginal douches. The study showed that Candida albicans was the most prevalent, followed by HIV and Staphylococcus aureus. There was no significant differences in the 2 groups (married and single).

CONCLUSION: the study group was aware of the effects of HIC/STIs and welcomed the concept of effective vaginal Microbicides. Majority of women indicated willingness to participate in the country’s microbicide trials when finally introduced.

Marian Bankole, MSc
MPH Genetics Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba
(Telephone) 234-1-8033435521 (Fax)   (E-mail) adachi71@yahoo.com