Developments in STD/HIV interactions: the intertwining epidemics of HIV and HSV-2

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2005 Jun;19(2):415-25. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2005.04.005.

Abstract

Antiviral agents aimed at treating HSV-2 chronically infected individuals have proven to be effective in the prevention of symptomatic genital herpes and the reduction of viral shedding. These agents play a key role in current HIV prevention trials that will assess the role of suppression of HSV-2 infection on the risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. An added clinical benefit of treating HSV-2/HIV-coinfected individuals is the potential survival benefit, as suggested by earlier studies and by the recent findings that HSV-2/HIV dually infected individuals have higher viral loads. The results of the current HSV-2 suppression trials may provide additional tools to fight the global spread of HIV infection. Treatment of HSV-2/HIV dually infected individuals may prove to be a low-cost intervention to improve clinical outcomes and delay the need for antiretroviral therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Susceptibility / virology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1*
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications*
  • Herpes Genitalis / drug therapy
  • Herpes Genitalis / epidemiology
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents