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

02576 RECRUITMENT FOR A TRIAL OF MICROBICIDE SAFETY AND ACCEPTABILITY AMONG HIV-INFECTED WOMEN, THAILAND

Chaikummao Supaporn*
Uthaiworavit, W**, Medtanavyn, T***, Manopaiboon, C*, Kilmarx, Ph****, Braunstein, S*****, Srivirojana, N******, Siraprapasiri, T*, Tappero, Jw*,****, Mclean, Ca****
*Thailand Moph – U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Thailand; **Chiang Rai Hospital, Thailand; ***Chiang Rai Provincial Health Office, Thailand; ****National Center For HIV, Std, and Tb Prevention, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, USA *****The Population Council, USA; ******The Population Council, Thailand

Background: Vaginal microbicides to prevent HIV transmission may be used by HIV-infected women because they do not know their HIV status or they believe the product may protect sex partners from HIV infection. Therefore, we investigated the safety and acceptability of a candidate microbicide in HIV-infected women. Recruiting HIV-infected women for microbicide safety and acceptability studies may be challenging.

Methods: Our objective was to recruit 54 healthy, HIV-infected women for a safety and acceptability study of a candidate vaginal microbicide (Carraguard“) in Northern Thailand. Study information sessions were held with women attending hospital and community HIV care and support programs. Eligible women were referred to the study clinic for screening for study eligibility.

Results: We conducted 115 study information sessions over ten months, including 68 (59%) with district health centers, 21 (18%) with non-governmental organizations, 15 (13%) with hospital-based HIV programs, nine (8%) with expanded access to antiretroviral drug programs, and two (2%) with antenatal clinics. Overall, 660 individuals attended the information sessions, including 578 potential participants and 82 family members. Among the 533 women assessed for eligibility, 281 (53%) were ineligible; reasons for ineligibility included antiretroviral therapy, irregular menstrual cycles, and family/privacy concerns. Overall, 252 (47%) met initial eligibility criteria, and 145 (58%) were screened. Of women screened, 68 (47%) attended information sessions at district health centers, 23 (16%) at non-governmental organizations, 38 (26%) at hospital HIV programs, 12 (8%) at expanded access to antiretroviral drug programs, and four (3%) at antenatal clinics.

Conclusions: Recruitment of healthy, HIV-infected women for candidate microbicide studies is feasible, but requires substantial resources and active involvement of HIV care programs. A high percentage of recruited women were ineligible. Our experience suggests that family and privacy concerns regarding HIV disclosure may limit participation in recruitment sessions and study screening.

Supaporn Chaikummao
P.O. Box 8, Lanna Post Office, Chiang Rai 57001, Thailand
(Telephone) 66-53-711-234 (Fax)   (E-mail) SupapornC@tuc.or.th