The study of mannose receptors status in HIV-1 discordant couples

Abstract

Background: It is more than two decades the presence of HIV virus has created a pandemic in human community. The current study was designed to study the levels of mannose receptors on vaginal epithelial cells of female partners of seronegative couple and of seronegative wife of seropositive husband.Methods: It is a case control observational study.in the study,30 controls: seronegative couples- husband seronegative and wife seronegative and 30 cases (study group): serodiscordant couples-husband seropositive and wife seronegative were included. The gynecological examination of the female partner was carried out, both per speculum (PS) and per vaginal (PV). Any lesions or inflammation was noted. the area was cleaned, and smear was collected. The smear was immediately fixed with 1:1 ether alcohol. The gynecological examination of the female partner was carried out, both per speculum (PS) and per vaginal (PV). Any lesions or inflammation was noted. the area was cleaned, and smear was collected. The smear was immediately fixed with 1:1 ether alcohol.Results: Although sexual mode of transmission is highest in India, large numbers of couples are serodiscordant. In this study, the discordant couples were married for an average of 19.3 years. Their youngest child had a mean age of 8.34 years. The mother being seronegative, all children were seronegative. The Husband’s qualified for ART at the time of detection of HIV status depending on their CD4 value. It means that they were harboring the virus for more than 10 years. Despite unprotected sex, the virus was not transmitted to the wife. Search for alternate pathway of HIV entry through vaginal mucosa showed: The females in control group revealed >98% epithelial cells had mannose receptors in almost all the females. As against serodiscordant females had mannose receptors in < 10% vaginal epithelial cells. There is a significant difference (p<0.01) between the control group and study group. Thus, the absence of mannose receptors probably prevents the HIV transmission.Conclusions: This observation will be helpful in developing effective microbicide and will open new frontiers for drug development which will halt sexual transmission of HIV and will also help in vaccine development.