The latex condom, an efficient barrier against sexual transmission of AIDS-related viruses.

6 trademark condoms, 5 made of latex (Durex Coral, Ortho Shields, Prime, KLV, and Man-To-Man) and 1 lubricated natural membrane condom (Kling-Tite Naturalamb) were tested mechanically to determine whether they were effective barriers to leakage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A 3 ml suspension of HIV concentrate was put into each condom and the condom placed over the plunger of a disposable syringe. The plunger was vigorously pumped as many as 50 times for each condom. No virus crossed the membrane of any of the latex condoms, but a significant passage of retroviral antigen through a leak in the natural membrane condom occurred after only 10 pumping movements. In addition some of the latex condoms were treated with spermicide, and these showed varying degrees of virus inactivation inside the condom. Further studies should be done on the use of spermicide-treated condoms. In any case, the use of condoms should be promoted among groups at high risk for AIDS such as prostitutes in Central Africa where condom use remains unpopular.