Charlie Sheen's announcement that he is HIV positive may have had a significant public health benefit, according to researchers.
They have found that Google searches in the United States hit record levels after the actor gave an interview on a US chat-show in November.
There were more than 2.75 million more than expected searches including the term HIV.
The number of news reports mentioning the Aids virus also soared, as did searches related to condoms.
In a research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine, the authors compare Mr Sheen's announcement to those of actor Rock Hudson and basketball player Magic Johnson in the past. They suggest that it could similarly 'reinvigorate' awareness and prevention of the condition.
They are now calling for more to be done to leverage the 'Charlie Sheen effect'.
The authors write that, "while no one should be forced to reveal HIV status, Sheen's disclosure may benefit public health by helping many people learn more about HIV infection and prevention. More must be done to make this benefit larger and lasting".
Speaking to host Matt Lauer on the Today show last year, Charlie Sheen said, "I am here to admit I am HIV-positive and I have to put a stop to the onslaught and barrage of attacks and sub-truths that are threatening the health of so many others."
