Interactions between herpes simplex virus type 2 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in African women: opportunities for intervention.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are cofactors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, but the specific role of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is unclear. This study aimed to examine the in vivo relationships between HSV-2 and HIV-1 in 300 women in Bangui, Central African Republic. Sera were tested for syphilis, HIV-1, HSV-2 antibody, and levels of vitamins A and E. Genital specimens were tested for other STDs. HSV-2 DNA and HIV-1 RNA were quantified in cervicovaginal lavage. The prevalences of HSV-2 antibody (91% vs. 78%, P=.02), HSV-2 shedding (43% vs. 22%, P=. 003), and levels of HSV-2 DNA (P=.01) were all significantly higher among HIV-1-seropositive than among HIV-1-seronegative women. There was a significant correlation between genital HIV-1 RNA and HSV-2 DNA levels (P=.02) among the 23 women who were shedding HSV-2 DNA. If confirmed, such associations highlight the urgent need for HSV-2 control measures in populations at high risk of both infections.
Mbopi-Kéou
F X
FX
Central Public Health Laboratory, Enteric, Respiratory and Neurological Virus Laboratory, London NW9 5HT, UK. fxmbopikeou@phls.org.uk
Grésenguet
G
G
Mayaud
P
P
Weiss
H A
HA
Gopal
R
R
Matta
M
M
Paul
J L
JL
Brown
D W
DW
Hayes
R J
RJ
Mabey
D C
DC
Bélec
L
L
D044383:Black People; D002488:Central African Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D019562:Viral Load; D017201:Virus Shedding; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood
D012367:RNA, Viral; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E