Systematic Review Finds HIV Transmission via Oral Sex Is Rare but Possible
Over the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex has remained controversial. While it is clear that oral sex poses a much lower transmission hazard than unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, the exact risk is unclear.
As reported in the December 2008 International Journal of Epidemiology, R. Baggale from Imperial College in London and colleagues performed a systematic review to assess the risk of HIV transmission from “orogenital intercourse.”
The investigators searched the PubMed database and bibliographies of relevant articles through July 2007. Out of the 56,214 titles searched, 10 potentially appropriate studies were identified; 2 additional studies were identified through bibliographies and 1 through discussion with experts. The studies included data about oral sex on men (fellatio) and women (cunnilingus), and included both heterosexual and homosexual partners.
A total of 10 studies — all from North America or Europe — were selected that provided estimates of transmission probabilities per partner (n = 5); incidence per partner (n = 3); per study participant following initially seronegative individuals whose partners were of unknown serostatus (n = 3); and per sex act (n = 3). Given the small number of studies, a meta-analysis was not considered appropriate.
“Get tested, Bitches. Don’t be afraid to know” – Ana Mantronix of Scissor Sisters