Management of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in HIV type 1-infected persons.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected persons have high rates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, ranging from 50% to 90% in studies of HIV-infected populations from different parts of the world. Genital herpes in persons with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) infection is associated with more-severe and chronic lesions, as well as increased rates of asymptomatic genital shedding of HSV-2. Nucleoside analogues (acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir) decrease the frequency and severity of HSV-2 recurrences and asymptomatic HSV-2 reactivation and are effective, safe, well-tolerated drugs in patients with HIV-1 infection. These anti-HSV drugs may result in additional clinical and public health benefits for persons with HIV-1 and HSV-2 coinfection by decreasing HIV-1 levels in the blood and genital tract. Given these benefits, HIV-1-infected persons should be routinely tested for HSV-2 infection using type-specific serologic tests. Persons with HSV-2 infection should be offered HSV-2 education and treatment options. Studies to quantify the potential clinical and public health benefits of treating individuals who have HIV-1 and HSV-2 coinfection with anti-HSV therapy are underway.
Strick
Lara B
LB
Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. strick@u.washington.edu
Wald
Anna
A
Celum
Connie
C
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D006801:Humans
D000998:Antiviral Agents