RESUMO
A standard test is needed to evaluate condoms as barriers against sexually transmitted diseases, particularly those caused by viruses. The proposed method presented here consists of a previously published simple method using physiologic-based conditions plus improvements to increase test sensitivity and decrease confounding factors such as contamination. Limitations of the method were determined by measuring virus penetration through small, well-defined holes. The method can detect penetration of 2 nL (2 x 10(-6) mL) of challenge virus suspension as well as a hole of 2 microns diameter in a latex condom. The data also indicated that virus penetration of latex condoms occurred quickly, and the hole was then apparently closed or blocked.
PIP: Condoms can act as barriers to the passage of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, a claim that condoms are effective against STDs must be confirmed by appropriate laboratory tests. Various tests have therefore been developed to evaluate the barrier effectiveness of latex and natural membrane condoms. The authors describe and evaluate a test which involves filling the condom with virus-containing buffer and determining whether any virus penetrates the barrier during submersion in a collection buffer. Virus penetration is measured and reported as the equivalent volume of challenge virus suspension needed to account for the amount of virus penetration. The limitations of this approach were determined by measuring virus penetration through small, well-defined holes. It was found that the method can detect penetration of 2 nl of challenge virus suspension as well as a hole of 2 mcm diameter in a latex condom. The data also indicate that virus penetration of latex condoms occurs quickly, then the hole apparently closes or is blocked.
