WN: Wired News:
"Despite the untested nature of the idea, it is worth pursuing for a number of reasons. First, repeated attempts at developing a vaccine to protect against HIV have so far failed. While a vaccine is the best answer in the long term, an HIV-capturing lactobacillus would certainly be welcomed.
It would be safe and easy to use, said Tao, and provide 'broad spectrum' protection against all subtypes of HIV (a vaccine would only be specific to a few types). It could protect infants against HIV in breast milk and, by inoculating the mucosal surfaces where HIV transmission occurs, it could protect women against sexual transmission of the virus.
This is particularly important, given that AIDS is quickly becoming a women's epidemic. Soon the majority of HIV-infected individuals will be women, according to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
Its cost, however, might be its best asset. Billions have been spent so far on vaccine-related research, but billions more are required, according to experts.
'The developmental cost for a vaccine is about $100 million to $1 billion,' said Tao, 'but a probiotic may only cost a few millions.'"