A recent study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens finds that HIV can damage the mucous membranes of genital and intestinal cells, allowing HIV and bacteria to enter the body.

Cells in the intestines and the genitals (such as inside the vagina) are normally surrounded by a protective layer of mucous membranes. It was previously thought that HIV entered the bloodstream through small tears in this membrane that can occur during sexual intercourse.

Although this is still a possible mechanism of transmission, this study indicates that tears might not be needed for HIV to get inside the body.

During exposure to HIV, the cells in the intestines and the genitals produce inflammatory factors, which can break the close contacts between the cells and allow microbes to leak into the body.

The authors claim that this mechanism may also explain how bacteria are able to cross the intestinal wall and cause severe infection more often in HIV-infected individuals.

Once inside the body, bacteria can spark further immune cell activation and may add to the progression of HIV, as well as other serious side effects such as atherosclerosis (a condition in which fatty material clogs the arteries).

Previous research on reducing HIV transmission has focused on preventing HIV from invading immune cells that are found deep within the body, after the mucosal layer lining.

The findings from this study indicate a possible change in future research to focus on preventing HIV from targeting and breaking the mucosal barrier instead.

Additionally, researchers hope to prevent bacteria from crossing the intestinal barrier and causing severe infections in HIV-infected individuals.

For more information, please see the publication of the study in PLoS Pathogens.