Explain why circumcision protects against AIDS

2013/04/19 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza
• Mikrobiologia
• Osasuna

Erdainkuntza or circumcision alter the microbiome of the penis, which can explain why erdainkuntza protects against AIDS and other diseases caused by viruses. Researchers from the University of Washington and the TG Institute (Arizona) have reached this conclusion, analyzing and studying the bacteria they had on their penis before and after circumcision.

In fact, it has been shown that men in Spanish have between 50 and 60% less risk of infection with the AIDS virus. The rash also protects against herpes simplex viruses and human papilloma. So far, however, they did not know why it happened.

To do this, researchers have analyzed different samples collected in Uganda, using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The microbiome of the erdainates has been compared before and after the operation, as well as that of the unerdainates, and it has been proven that with the administration of the ceremony, in addition to considerably reducing the number of bacteria in the penis, the microbiome is modified. In fact, the researchers have explained that the intervention consists in the introduction of oxygen in the part that previously covered the skin, so anaerobic bacteria are drastically reduced.

Researchers have not fully revealed the mechanism by which the microbiome of the penis acts on the ability to fight viruses, but consider that when there are many bacteria, some skin cells responsible for fighting them, Langerhans cells, work poorly. Instead of protecting themselves, they become virus helpers and facilitate access. Conversely, when the number of bacteria is reduced, it seems that Langerhans cells perform their function well.

Henceforth, researchers have indicated their intention to continue investigating to confirm that anaerobic bacteria increase the risk of contracting AIDS. In the words of Lance Price, head of research who has gone a step further, "understanding its biological mechanism, we can find the way to reduce anaerobes without circumcision."