Cervicovaginal neutralizing antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) in women seropositive for HSV Types 1 and 2.
Antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA isotypes were detected in the cervicovaginal secretions (CVS) of 77 HSV-1- and HSV-2-seropositive but clinically asymptomatic African women by type-specific enhanced chemiluminescence Western blotting (ECL-WB). Of the 77 subjects, 34 were HIV negative, shedding HSV-2 DNA in their genital secretions; 20 were HIV positive, shedding HSV-2 DNA; and 23 were HIV negative, not shedding HSV-2 DNA. HSV-specific IgG was detected in CVS of nearly 70% of the women studied. HSV-specific IgA was found in CVS of 50% of the women studied. The distribution of CVS HSV-specific antibodies to each HSV type was highly heterogeneous, with a slight predominance of detectable IgG to HSV-1 (59%) over IgG to HSV-2 (41%), whereas the frequency of detectable IgA to HSV-1 (39%) was similar to that of IgA to HSV-2 (36%). The presence of detectable HSV-specific antibodies was inversely associated with HSV-2 DNA genital asymptomatic shedding but was not affected by HIV seropositivity. In addition, 13 of 77 (17%) CVS samples showed neutralizing activity against HSV-2, as assessed by an HSV-2 in vitro infectivity reduction assay. Neutralizing activity in CVS was associated with the presence of IgG and/or IgA antibodies to HSV-1 and/or to HSV-2 by ECL-WB. Among women whose CVS showed HSV-2-neutralizing activity, the specific activity of HSV-specific neutralizing antibodies was substantially (fivefold) higher in HSV-2 DNA shedders than in nonshedders. In conclusion, HSV-specific antibodies are frequently detected in CVS of asymptomatic African women seropositive for HSV-1 and HSV-2. A subset of these women had functional neutralizing activity against HSV-2 in their CVS. The origin of these antibodies and their role in HSV-2 disease of the female genital tract remain to be determined.
Central Public Health Laboratory, Virus Reference Division, Colindale, United Kingdom.
Francois-Xavier
FX
Mbopi-Kéou
Laurent
L
Bélec
Julie
J
Dalessio
Jérôme
J
Legoff
Gérard
G
Grésenguet
Philippe
P
Mayaud
David W G
DW
Brown
Rhoda Ashley
RA
Morrow
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014621:Vagina / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D017201:Virus Shedding / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes