Spread of Aids could be stopped by bacterial gel or yoghurt

Some of the 'friendly bacteria' found in yoghurt have been genetically modified to release a drug that blocks HIV infection. Although the bacteria have only been tested in a lab dish, scientists are optimistic that the technique could provide a cheaper and more effective way of delivering drugs to fight the spread of AIDS, by getting the bugs to live right where the drugs are needed most. The bacterium (Lactococcus lactis) the researchers have modified naturally produces lactic acid, and so is used to produce cheese and yoghurt. It is also found in some parts of the human anatomy, including the gut and the vagina, where the acid it produces damps down the growth of other, harmful bacteria. Some 'probiotic' yoghurts are loaded with such beasties with the aim of keeping consumers' guts healthy (see 'Gut Reaction'). "Source":[ http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseaction=subtopics&topic_id=1&subtopic_id=2&doc_id=12051&start=1&control=582&page_start=1&page_nr=151&pg=1]

---