Author: Jonathan Sykes
Position: Mr./Independent Researcher
Institution: Self-employed
E-mail: jsykes30@earthlink.net
Submitted Date: November 24, 2005
Published Date: November 25, 2005
This comment was originally posted as a “Reader Response” on the publication date indicated above. All Reader Responses are now available as comments.

Dear Editor:

Auvert et al. argue that male circumcision provides a protective effect for males.[1] On the other hand, Chao et al. identified circumcision of the male partner as a risk factor for females.[2] Auvert et al. do not provide information on the overall effect of male circumcision on HIV transmission and infection.[1] Male circumcision may worsen the epidemic. It is imperative, therefore, that further studies be conducted to determine the overall effect before implementation of mass circumcision campaigns to control HIV infection.

Jonathan Sykes

References

1. Auvert B, Taljaard D, Lagarde E, Sobngwi-Tambekou J, Sitta R, et al. (2005)
Randomized, Controlled Intervention Trial of Male Circumcision for Reduction of HIV
Infection Risk: The ANRS 1265 Trial. PLoS Med 2(11): e2

2. Chao A, Bulterys M, Musanganire F, et al. Risk factors associated with prevalent HIV-1 infection among pregnant women in Rwanda. National University of Rwanda-Johns Hopkins University AIDS Research Team. Int J Epidemiol 1994; 23(2):371-80. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.g... ]