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Tuesday, 25 October 2005 12:37 | BNN: British Nursing News Online · www.bnn-online.co.uk
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A South African study has found that circumcision can reduce the rate of HIV infections among heterosexual men by around 60 per cent.
Researchers found some of the 3,280 young men who took part in the study were protected from HIV through circumcision.
Cells under the foreskin are believed to be vulnerable to the virus. When the foreskin is removed, the surrounding skin becomes less sensitive and so less likely to bleed, reducing the potential for infection.
The trial, carried out in Johannesburg’s Orange Farm area, involved 3,280, sexually active, uncircumcised, heterosexual young men, who were offered the chance to be circumcised and then monitored for sexual infection.
Just under half chose to be circumcised. The participants were then to be tested for infection at three, 12 and 21 months. However, after 18 months there were 49 new cases of HIV in the uncircumcised group, compared to 20 among those who had opted for the procedure.
The researchers decided to halt the study at this point on ethical grounds so that the uncircumcised men could be offered circumcision.
Keith Alcorn, of the National Aids Manual, said: "Although this study showed that men who were circumcised were less likely to become infected with HIV, it must be stressed that circumcised men did become infected in this study, and that circumcision does not provide total protection against HIV.
"I don't think that any country will be moving towards promotion of circumcision for HIV prevention on these results alone.
"Two further studies in Kenya and Uganda have yet to be completed, and will give us more information."
Deborah Jack, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, added: "There is a danger that people who have been circumcised will feel that they are fully protected from HIV when they are not.
"We need more research and clear guidance, as circumcision can never be a substitute for condom use."
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