Published on June 5, 2008 at 3:46 AM
Scientists in Australia have developed a natural condom which could prevent the spread of AIDS.
The scientists from Melbourne University created the 'living condom' by using the female hormone oestrogen in the form of a cream and which they say gives men protection from the HIV virus.
Researchers Professor Andrew Pask and Professor Roger Short say by applying the cream Oestriol to the foreskin the body's natural defences against HIV are boosted.
They say Oestriol works by quadrupling the thin layer of the defensive protein keratin in the skin, making it impossible for the virus to penetrate through that barrier to infect the cells underneath.
They say though it does not prevent conception or protect against other sexually transmitted diseases, it is a living condom which provides a natural defensive layer and offers perfect protection against HIV.
They say the oestrogen cream should be applied once a week and suggest it would be appropriate for cultures where circumcision was uncommon.
Clinical trials of the oestrogen cream are planned in Africa, which experts believe is the epicentre of the AIDS epidemic.
The study is published in the medical journal PLoS ONE.