Although the bacteria has only been tested in a lab dish, HIV specialist Bharat Ramratnam and his colleagues from Brown Medical School assert that a modified version of the bacterium lactococcus lactis can provide a cheaper, more effective way of fighting Aids.
The lactic acid produced by the so-called ‘friendly bacteria’ is thought to be able fight off harmful bacteria. Dr Ramratnam has modified this protective effect so that the bacteria generates the HIV drug cyanivirin instead of lactic acid. Cyanovirin has been proven to prevent HIV infection in monkeys and human cells and is to start human trials next year.
The researchers have said this new therapeutic approach could be used to help control the spread of HIV in developing countries as it could potentially be used as a vaginal gel or taken orally as a probiotic yogurt.