Question concerning the debate over oral sex and HIV transmission

[geobassoon]

Hi everyone. I have been following a few of the forums that have been dealing with this question/debate and have also done a lot of research into it on my own from other sources (both risk based and medical based studies). Working in the field of risk assessment i understand the meaning behind the theoretical idea of transmission in this way and know from my own work in my field that if there is any chance, even one that is not documented or is theoretically possible, it is added to the over all assessment of the risk and therefore has to be given a value.

My question lies mainly in the instance where blood is present in the "givers" mouth and no sores, cuts, or open wounds are located on the receiving parties genitalia, or if there are any they are minor. Is the risk of transmission through the skin of the penis  or the urethra increased? Most sources, such as the CDC, deal with the risk factor of oral and HIV transmission generally but never state the risk factor for the various scenarios ( no blood/no open wounds, blood/no open wounds, etc). So since this is the case is it inferred that the variation in risk is so small that it is not worth mentioning or that the risk is equal/the same in all scenarios?

I'd also like to say good job to all those (medical professionals and non professionals a like) on this sight that provided helpful information and respond to peoples posts and concerns.

[geobassoon]

Cool, I'll give google scholar a shot, thanks for the head up on JAMA, I am pretty sure the University has a subscription. Thanks again Teak.

[Teak]

Use google and you'll find alot of articles. If you have a subscription to JAMA you can search the archives.

[geobassoon]

Haha yes that would put a hamper on things wouldn't it. Has there been any research into the use of these proteins and enzymes for preventive measures? Do you know if this new vaginal gel that was developed uses similar compounds to inhibit or is it a barrier protection? Sorry to ask so many questions but having a inquisitive streak brings up questions when ever I read something scientific, especially if it is a question that is skimmed over or not answered at all by the paper or article. If you have any suggestions as to papers, articles, research journals, or studies please can you forward them if that's not asking to much. Thanks again for the info.

[Teak]

Yes. The amount of blood that would even give a minute chance of infection a person couldn't even give or receive oral sex. The would be in an ER somewhere seeing what is wrong.

[geobassoon]

Hi Teak, first let me say thank you for the reply,

I had come across that in most of the literature I have read as well. If this is so are the enzymes and proteins able to neutralize/inhibit HIV in blood when it is in the mouth?

[Teak]

Oral sex is not a risk of contracting HIV. Saliva contains over a dozen different enzymes and proteins that inhibit HIV transmission.