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11:14
Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
New insights on interactions between HIV-1 and HSV-2
Sinéad Delany-Moretlwe1, Jairam R Lingappa, Connie Celum
1Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, PO Box 18512, Hillbrow, Johannesburg 2038, South Africa. sdelany@rhru.co.za
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|February 26, 2009
Summary
Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) treatment with acyclovir does not lower HIV incidence. However, suppressive therapy reduces HIV levels, and ongoing studies assess its impact on transmission and progression.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is a common infection, often asymptomatic.
- HSV-2 infection is linked to increased risk of HIV acquisition, transmission, and disease progression, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of HSV-2 treatment in limiting HIV spread.
- To assess the impact of HSV suppression on HIV levels and transmission.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized trials investigating HSV-2 treatment and its effect on HIV.
- Analysis of studies examining acyclovir and valacyclovir for HSV suppression and their impact on viral load.
Main Results:
- Treatment with acyclovir (400 mg twice daily) did not reduce HIV incidence.
- Suppressive therapy with acyclovir and valacyclovir demonstrated a reduction in HIV levels in plasma and the genital tract.
Conclusions:
- While HSV-2 treatment does not decrease HIV incidence, suppressive therapy shows potential in reducing viral load.
- Further research is ongoing to determine if HSV suppression can effectively reduce HIV transmission and disease progression.
- Effective interventions are crucial for mitigating HSV-2's impact on HIV transmission in the absence of vaccines.
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