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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
05:22
Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
Maternal herpes simplex virus type 2 coinfection increases the risk of perinatal HIV transmission: possibility to
Liesbeth Jm Bollen1, Sara J Whitehead, Philip A Mock
1Thailand Ministry of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Lbollen@tuc.or.th
AIDS (London, England)
|June 6, 2008
Summary
Maternal herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seropositivity increases perinatal HIV transmission risk, while HSV-2 shedding is linked to intrapartum HIV transmission. Controlling HSV-2 may reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Perinatal HIV transmission remains a significant global health concern.
- The interplay between HSV-2 and HIV transmission requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between maternal HSV-2 seropositivity and shedding with perinatal HIV transmission.
- To assess the impact of HSV-2 on HIV viral load in maternal plasma and cervicovaginal secretions.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of zidovudine treatment in the context of HSV-2 coinfection.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of women from a 1996-1997 perinatal HIV transmission prevention trial in Thailand.
- Maternal plasma and cervicovaginal samples tested for HSV-2 antibodies and DNA.
- Analysis of HIV viral load and infant HIV status in relation to HSV-2 status.
Main Results:
- HSV-2 seropositivity was associated with an increased risk of overall perinatal HIV transmission (aOR, 2.6).
- HSV-2 shedding was linked to a higher risk of intrapartum HIV transmission (aOR, 2.9).
- Higher HIV viral load and increased cervicovaginal HIV shedding were observed in women with HSV-2 shedding.
Conclusions:
- Maternal HSV-2 infection is associated with increased perinatal and intrapartum HIV transmission risks.
- Interventions targeting HSV-2 control could be a strategy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission.
- Findings highlight the importance of managing coinfections in HIV prevention efforts.
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