Acyclovir and transmission of HIV-1 from persons infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2

HIV-1 infection impairs HSV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell response by reducing Th1 cytokines and CCR5 ligand secretion

BACKGROUND

The concept of HIV-1/HSV-negative immunosynergy has recently come to light, which leads us to explore the impact of HIV-1 infection on HSV-specific T-cell immunity.

METHODS

: A combination of interferon (IFN)-γ ELISpot and Luminex-based multicytokine profiling assays was used to compare, in a cross-sectional study, the HSV-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses between 20 HIV-1/HSV-coinfected and 12 HIV-1-uninfected/HSV-infected individuals after in vitro restimulation with HSV glycoprotein D (gD) peptide epitopes.

RESULTS

In response to CD4 and CD8 gD peptide epitopes, mean value (±standard errors of the mean) of the different IFN-γ-secreting T cells (ISC) means was significantly reduced in HIV-1/HSV-coinfected individuals (70 ISC ± 10 and 60 ISC ± 8/10 cells) compared with HIV-1-uninfected/HSV-infected individuals (280 ISC ± 25 and 234 ISC ± 23/10 cells, both P < 0.001). After stimulation with the immunodominant CD4 gD and CD8 gD peptide epitopes, the Th1 cytokine and CCR5 ligand secretions were decreased in the HIV-1-infected group although Th17 cytokines increased. The mean concentration of interleukin (IL)-2, IFN-γ, the IFN-γ-induced protein 10 kDa, and the monokine induced by IFN-γ was correlated to the mean concentration of macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP-1α, MIP-1β), RANTES and Eotaxin (ρ = 0.56, P = 0.02 and ρ = 0.52, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-1 infection impairs both the number and function of HSV-specific T cells. The downregulation of Th1 cytokines and CCR5 ligands in HIV-1/HSV-coinfected individuals may further facilitate both HSV reactivations and HIV-1 replication.

Optimal uses of antiretrovirals for prevention in HIV-1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples in South Africa: a modelling study

BACKGROUND

Antiretrovirals have substantial promise for HIV-1 prevention, either as antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV-1-infected persons to reduce infectiousness, or as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1-uninfected persons to reduce the possibility of infection with HIV-1. HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in long-term partnerships (one member is infected and the other is uninfected) are a priority for prevention interventions. Earlier ART and PrEP might both reduce HIV-1 transmission in this group, but the merits and synergies of these different approaches have not been analyzed.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We constructed a mathematical model to examine the impact and cost-effectiveness of different strategies, including earlier initiation of ART and/or PrEP, for HIV-1 prevention for serodiscordant couples. Although the cost of PrEP is high, the cost per infection averted is significantly offset by future savings in lifelong treatment, especially among couples with multiple partners, low condom use, and a high risk of transmission. In some situations, highly effective PrEP could be cost-saving overall. To keep couples alive and without a new infection, providing PrEP to the uninfected partner could be at least as cost-effective as initiating ART earlier in the infected partner, if the annual cost of PrEP is <40% of the annual cost of ART and PrEP is >70% effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategic use of PrEP and ART could substantially and cost-effectively reduce HIV-1 transmission in HIV-1 serodiscordant couples. New and forthcoming data on the efficacy of PrEP, the cost of delivery of ART and PrEP, and couples behaviours and preferences will be critical for optimizing the use of antiretrovirals for HIV-1 prevention. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

The role of sexually transmitted infections in the evolution of the South African HIV epidemic

OBJECTIVES

To assess the extent to which sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have contributed to the spread of HIV in South Africa and to estimate the extent to which improvements in STI treatment have reduced HIV incidence.

METHODS

A mathematical model was used to simulate interactions between HIV and six other STIs (genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis) as well as bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis. The effects of STIs on HIV transmission probabilities were assumed to be consistent with meta-analytic reviews of observational studies, and the model was fitted to South African HIV prevalence data.

RESULTS

The proportion of new HIV infections in adults that were attributable to curable STIs reduced from 39% (uncertainty range: 24-50%) in 1990 to 14% (8-18%) in 2010, while the proportion of new infections attributable to genital herpes increased. Syndromic management programmes are estimated to have reduced adult HIV incidence by 6.6% (3.3-10.3%) between 1994 and 2004, by which time syndromic management coverage was 52%. Had syndromic management been introduced in 1986, with immediate achievement of 100% coverage and a doubling of the rate of health seeking, HIV incidence would have reduced by 64% (36-82%) over the next decade, but had the same intervention been delayed until 2004, HIV incidence would have reduced by only 5.5% (2.8-9.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexually transmitted infections have contributed significantly to the spread of HIV in South Africa, but STI control efforts have had limited impact on HIV incidence because of their late introduction and suboptimal coverage.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 among Hispanics in the USA: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2008

To examine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among Hispanics in the USA, we used the cross-sectional, nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to compare the seroprevalence of HSV-2 between Hispanic persons of Mexican heritage and non-Mexican heritage aged 14-44 years, from survey years 2007-2008. The overall HSV-2 seroprevalence among Hispanics aged 14-44 years was 17.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.2, 20.1) in the USA. HSV-2 seroprevalence was significantly lower among Mexican Americans than among other Hispanics (11.7% vs. 27.8%, P < 0.01). Prevalence of HSV-2 was also significantly associated with gender and age. The significant difference in HSV-2 seroprevalence between Hispanic persons of Mexican heritage and non-Mexican heritage suggested that targeting specific subgroups of Hispanics for preventive interventions may be a strategy to reduce the transmission of HSV-2 and HIV among Hispanics in the USA.

A prospective study of frequency and correlates of intimate partner violence among African heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common worldwide and is an important consideration in couples HIV voluntary counseling and testing (CVCT), especially for HIV-serodiscordant couples (i.e. in which only one member is HIV-infected).

DESIGN

Prospective study of 3408 HIV-serodiscordant couples (2299 in which the HIV-infected partner was female) from seven countries from East and Southern Africa.

METHODS

At quarterly visits during up to 2 years of follow-up, participants were asked, separately, about IPV perpetrated against them by their partner during the prior 3 months. Correlates of IPV were determined by generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The majority of couples were married and living together, with an average duration of partnership of approximately 5 years. More than 39,000 quarterly visits were recorded. IPV was reported in 2.7% of visits by HIV-infected women, 2.2% by HIV-uninfected women, 0.9% by HIV-infected men, and 0.7% by HIV-uninfected men. The majority of IPV reports were verbal or a combination of verbal and physical violence. Those who were HIV-infected were more likely to report IPV [for women adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.33, P = 0.043; for men AOR 2.20, P = 0.001], but IPV was not significantly associated with risk of HIV seroconversion in HIV-uninfected participants. IPV incidence decreased during follow-up (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

During up to 2 years of prospective follow-up, most persons in stable HIV-serodiscordant partnerships who had undergone CVCT did not report IPV. A modest increased risk of IPV was seen for HIV-infected partners, both female and male.

High-dose valacyclovir HSV-2 suppression results in greater reduction in plasma HIV-1 levels compared with standard dose acyclovir among HIV-1/HSV-2 coinfected persons: a randomized, crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Standard-dose HSV-2 suppressive therapy (acyclovir 400 mg twice daily) reduces plasma HIV-1 levels by 0.25-0.50 log(10) copies/mL. It is not known if higher doses might further suppress HIV-1 levels.

METHODS

We enrolled 32 HIV-1/HSV-2 dually infected Kenyan individuals who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) into a randomized, crossover trial of 2 dosing regimens of HSV-2 suppression: valacyclovir 1.5 g vs acyclovir 400 mg, both twice daily for 12 weeks, then a 2-week washout, and then the alternative for 12 weeks. Weekly plasma HIV-1 RNA quantity was measured (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01026454).

RESULTS

Mean plasma HIV-1 levels were significantly lower on valacyclovir compared with acyclovir: 2.94 vs 3.56 log(10) copies/mL, an average difference of 0.62 log(10) copies/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.68, -0.55; P < .001), a 76% decrease. Valacyclovir resulted in a 1.23 log(10) copies/mL decrease compared with baseline HIV-1 levels without HSV-2 suppression. Adherence was similar (99.4% of dispensed study tablets taken), and high-dose valacyclovir was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose valacyclovir reduced plasma HIV-1 viral levels by 0.62 log(10) copies/mL compared with standard-dose acyclovir. The potential for higher-dose HSV-2 suppressive therapy to slow HIV-1 disease progression and reduce HIV-1 infectiousness among HIV-1/HSV-2 coinfected persons not yet eligible for ART warrants further evaluation.

Analysis of genetic linkage of HIV from couples enrolled in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 trial

BACKGROUND

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 trial demonstrated that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from HIV-infected adults (index participants) to their HIV-uninfected sexual partners. We analyzed HIV from 38 index-partner pairs and 80 unrelated index participants (controls) to assess the linkage of seroconversion events.

METHODS

Linkage was assessed using phylogenetic analysis of HIV pol sequences and Bayesian analysis of genetic distances between pol sequences from index-partner pairs and controls. Selected samples were also analyzed using next-generation sequencing (env region).

RESULTS

In 29 of the 38 (76.3%) cases analyzed, the index was the likely source of the partner's HIV infection (linked). In 7 cases (18.4%), the partner was most likely infected from a source other than the index participant (unlinked). In 2 cases (5.3%), linkage status could not be definitively established.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-fifth of the seroconversion events in HPTN 052 were unlinked. The association of early ART and reduced HIV transmission was stronger when the analysis included only linked events. This underscores the importance of assessing the genetic linkage of HIV seroconversion events in HIV prevention studies involving serodiscordant couples.

Characteristics of HIV-1 serodiscordant couples enrolled in a clinical trial of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 prevention

Introduction

Stable heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Africa have high HIV-1 transmission rates and are a critical population for evaluation of new HIV-1 prevention strategies. The Partners PrEP Study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tenofovir and emtricitabine-tenofovir pre-exposure prophylaxis to decrease HIV-1 acquisition within heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples. We describe the trial design and characteristics of the study cohort.

Methods

HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, in which the HIV-1 infected partner did not meet national guidelines for initiation of antiretroviral therapy, were enrolled at 9 research sites in Kenya and Uganda. The HIV-1 susceptible partner was randomized to daily oral tenofovir, emtricitabine-tenofovir, or matching placebo with monthly follow-up for 24–36 months.

Results

From July 2008 to November 2010, 7920 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples were screened and 4758 enrolled. For 62% (2966/4758) of enrolled couples, the HIV-1 susceptible partner was male. Median age was 33 years for HIV-1 susceptible and HIV-1 infected partners [IQR (28–40) and (26–39) respectively]. Most couples (98%) were married, with a median duration of partnership of 7.0 years (IQR 3.0–14.0) and recent knowledge of their serodiscordant status [median 0.4 years (IQR 0.1–2.0)]. During the month prior to enrollment, couples reported a median of 4 sex acts (IQR 2–8); 27% reported unprotected sex and 14% of male and 1% of female HIV-1 susceptible partners reported sex with outside partners. Among HIV-1 infected partners, the median plasma HIV-1 level was 3.94 log₁₀ copies/mL (IQR 3.31–4.53) and median CD4 count was 496 cells/µL (IQR 375–662); the majority (64%) had WHO stage 1 HIV-1 disease.

Conclusions

Couples at high risk of HIV-1 transmission were rapidly recruited into the Partners PrEP Study, the largest efficacy trial of oral PrEP. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00557245)

Use of hormonal contraceptives and risk of HIV-1 transmission: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Hormonal contraceptives are used widely but their effects on HIV-1 risk are unclear. We aimed to assess the association between hormonal contraceptive use and risk of HIV-1 acquisition by women and HIV-1 transmission from HIV-1-infected women to their male partners.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we followed up 3790 heterosexual HIV-1-serodiscordant couples participating in two longitudinal studies of HIV-1 incidence in seven African countries. Among injectable and oral hormonal contraceptive users and non-users, we compared rates of HIV-1 acquisition by women and HIV-1 transmission from women to men. The primary outcome measure was HIV-1 seroconversion. We used Cox proportional hazards regression and marginal structural modelling to assess the effect of contraceptive use on HIV-1 risk.

FINDINGS

Among 1314 couples in which the HIV-1-seronegative partner was female (median follow-up 18·0 [IQR 12·6-24·2] months), rates of HIV-1 acquisition were 6·61 per 100 person-years in women who used hormonal contraception and 3·78 per 100 person-years in those who did not (adjusted hazard ratio 1·98, 95% CI 1·06-3·68, p=0·03). Among 2476 couples in which the HIV-1-seronegative partner was male (median follow-up 18·7 [IQR 12·8-24·2] months), rates of HIV-1 transmission from women to men were 2·61 per 100 person-years in couples in which women used hormonal contraception and 1·51 per 100 person-years in couples in which women did not use hormonal contraception (adjusted hazard ratio 1·97, 95% CI 1·12-3·45, p=0·02). Marginal structural model analyses generated much the same results to the Cox proportional hazards regression.

INTERPRETATION

Women should be counselled about potentially increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition and transmission with hormonal contraception, especially injectable methods, and about the importance of dual protection with condoms to decrease HIV-1 risk. Non-hormonal or low-dose hormonal contraceptive methods should be considered for women with or at-risk for HIV-1.

FUNDING

US National Institutes of Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Helicase–primase inhibitors as the potential next generation of highly active drugs against herpes simplex viruses

Since the introduction of the nucleoside analogs decades ago, treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections has not seen much innovation, except for the development of their respective prodrugs. The inhibitors of the helicase–primase complex of HSV represent a very innovative approach to the treatment of herpesvirus disease, and this article considers the development of some representatives of this class of therapeutics. The molecular and biochemical features of the helicase–primase complex are considered and the development of three inhibitors of helicase–primase, BILS 179 BS, AIC316 and ASP2151, is described. The clinical development of AIC316 is at an advanced stage and displays general safety as well as favorable, long-lasting exposures in healthy volunteers. The first efficacy data from a Phase II trial with more than 150 HSV-2-positive subjects demonstrated dose-dependent antiviral activity.

Increased risk of HIV-1 transmission in pregnancy: a prospective study among African HIV-1-serodiscordant couples

BACKGROUND

Physiologic and behavioral changes during pregnancy may alter HIV-1 susceptibility and infectiousness. Prospective studies exploring pregnancy and HIV-1 acquisition risk in women have found inconsistent results. No study has explored the effect of pregnancy on HIV-1 transmission risk from HIV-1-infected women to male partners.

METHODS

In a prospective study of African HIV-1-serodiscordant couples, we evaluated the relationship between pregnancy and the risk of HIV-1 acquisition among women and HIV-1 transmission from women to men.

RESULTS

Three thousand three hundred and twenty-one HIV-1-serodiscordant couples were enrolled, 1085 (32.7%) with HIV-1 susceptible female partners and 2236 (67.3%) with susceptible male partners. HIV-1 incidence in women was 7.35 versus 3.01 per 100 person-years during pregnant and nonpregnant periods [hazard ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-4.09]. This effect was attenuated and not statistically significant after adjusting for sexual behavior and other confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio 1.71, 95% CI 0.93-3.12). HIV-1 incidence in male partners of infected women was 3.46 versus 1.58 per 100 person-years when their partners were pregnant versus not pregnant (hazard ratio 2.31, 95% CI 1.22-4.39). This effect was not attenuated in adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.47, 95% CI 1.26-4.85).

CONCLUSION

HIV-1 risk increased two-fold during pregnancy. Elevated risk of HIV-1 acquisition in pregnant women appeared in part to be explained by behavioral and other factors. This is the first study to show that pregnancy increased the risk of female-to-male HIV-1 transmission, which may reflect biological changes of pregnancy that could increase HIV-1 infectiousness.

The Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, was created in 2001. This article outlines its origins, principles, clinical programs, training activities, research programs, organizational structure, leadership, and contributions to Makerere University and its College of Health Sciences.

The role of coinfections in HIV epidemic trajectory and positive prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Recurrent or persistent coinfections may increase HIV viral load and, consequently, risk of HIV transmission, thus increasing HIV incidence. We evaluated the association between malaria, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections and their treatment on HIV viral load.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of malaria, HSV-2 and TB coinfections and their treatment with HIV viral load.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched to 10 February 2010 for studies in adults that reported HIV plasma and/or genital viral load by coinfection status or treatment. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Forty-five eligible articles were identified (six malaria, 20 HSV-2 and 19 TB). There was strong evidence of increased HIV viral load with acute malaria [0.67 log(10) copies/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-1.19] and decreased viral load following treatment (-0.37 log(10) copies/ml, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.04). Similarly, HSV-2 infection was associated with increased HIV viral load (0.18 log(10) copies/ml, 95% CI 0.01-0.34), which decreased with HSV suppressive therapy (-0.28 log(10) copies/ml, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.19). Active TB was associated with increased HIV viral load (0.40 log(10) copies/ml, 95% CI 0.13-0.67), but there was no association between TB treatment and viral load reduction (log(10) copies/ml -0.02, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.15).

CONCLUSION

Coinfections may increase HIV viral load in populations where they are prevalent, thereby facilitating HIV transmission. These effects may be reversed with treatment. However, to limit HIV trajectory and optimize positive prevention for HIV-infected individuals pre-antiretroviral therapy, we must better understand the mechanisms responsible for augmented viral load and the magnitude of viral load reduction required, and retune treatment regimens accordingly.

Detailed analysis of mucosal herpes simplex virus-2 replication kinetics with and without antiviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

The presence of herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) shedding episodes correlates with transmission to sexual partners and neonates, and some episodes correlate with disease manifestations. HSV-2-targeted guanosine analogues are effective when given on a prophylactic basis, but do not completely eliminate recurrences, asymptomatic shedding or transmission. We sought to describe the impact of twice-daily aciclovir and famciclovir on shedding episodes.

METHODS

We used pooled results from crossover clinical trials to construct frequency histograms for viral shedding episode duration, peak copy number, expansion kinetics and decay kinetics.

RESULTS

Suppressive aciclovir and famciclovir decreased the frequency of episodes of >24 h duration by 50%, lowered the mean early episode expansion rate (from 8.2 to 7.2 HSV DNA logs/day, P = 0.004), decreased the mean peak values for shedding episodes (from 4.9 to 3.9 log(10) HSV DNA copies/mL, P < 0.001) and lowered the mean episode duration (from 4.8 to 2.1 days, P < 0.001) primarily by decreasing the probability of viral re-expansion during episodes. The mean rate of late viral decay was similar for persons on and off antiviral medications (-6.0 versus -5.8 HSV DNA logs/day, P = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

HSV-2-targeted antiviral therapy limits episode severity by decreasing the rate of early viral expansion and the likelihood of episode re-expansion. Late clearance of episodes in the immunocompetent host is not affected by antiviral therapy, suggesting that local immune response is critical for clearance of episodes both on and off treatment.

Antiretroviral therapy: a key component of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy

Transmission of HIV is critically dependent on the level of HIV viral load within blood and genital secretions. Antiretroviral therapy results in sustained reductions in viral load to undetectable levels. Thus, antiretroviral therapy has long been postulated as a potential means to curb HIV transmission. Observational data have now confirmed that antiretroviral therapy is associated with a decrease in transmission among heterosexual serodiscordant couples, injection-drug users, and in population-based studies. Mathematical models suggest that further expansion of antiretroviral coverage within current guidelines can play a major role in controlling the spread of HIV. Concerns regarding the potential for transmission during acute HIV infection, behavioral disinhibition, and resistance to overcome the impact of treatment on prevention have not materialized to date. The Joint United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) program has called for the inclusion of antiretroviral treatment as a key pillar in the global strategy to control the spread of HIV infection.

Prevention of HIV-1 infection with early antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy that reduces viral replication could limit the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in serodiscordant couples.

METHODS

In nine countries, we enrolled 1763 couples in which one partner was HIV-1-positive and the other was HIV-1-negative; 54% of the subjects were from Africa, and 50% of infected partners were men. HIV-1-infected subjects with CD4 counts between 350 and 550 cells per cubic millimeter were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive antiretroviral therapy either immediately (early therapy) or after a decline in the CD4 count or the onset of HIV-1-related symptoms (delayed therapy). The primary prevention end point was linked HIV-1 transmission in HIV-1-negative partners. The primary clinical end point was the earliest occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, severe bacterial infection, a World Health Organization stage 4 event, or death.

RESULTS

As of February 21, 2011, a total of 39 HIV-1 transmissions were observed (incidence rate, 1.2 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9 to 1.7); of these, 28 were virologically linked to the infected partner (incidence rate, 0.9 per 100 person-years, 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.3). Of the 28 linked transmissions, only 1 occurred in the early-therapy group (hazard ratio, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.27; P<0.001). Subjects receiving early therapy had fewer treatment end points (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.88; P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The early initiation of antiretroviral therapy reduced rates of sexual transmission of HIV-1 and clinical events, indicating both personal and public health benefits from such therapy. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and others; HPTN 052 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00074581.).

Effect of variable transmission rate on the dynamics of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

The cause of the high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is incompletely understood, with heterosexual penile-vaginal transmission proposed as the main mechanism. Heterosexual HIV transmission has been estimated to have a very low probability; but effects of cofactors that vary in space and time may substantially alter this pattern.

METHODS

To test the effect of individual variation in the HIV infectiousness generated by co-infection, we developed and analyzed a mathematical sexual network model that simulates the behavioral components of a population from Malawi, as well as the dynamics of HIV and the co-infection effect caused by other infectious diseases, including herpes simplex virus type-2, gonorrhea, syphilis and malaria.

RESULTS

The analysis shows that without the amplification effect caused by co-infection, no epidemic is generated, and HIV prevalence decreases to extinction. But the model indicates that an epidemic can be generated by the amplification effect on HIV transmission caused by co-infection.

CONCLUSION

The simulated sexual network demonstrated that a single value for HIV infectivity fails to describe the dynamics of the epidemic. Regardless of the low probability of heterosexual transmission per sexual contact, the inclusion of individual variation generated by transient but repeated increases in HIV viral load associated with co-infections may provide a biological basis for the accelerated spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, our work raises the possibility that the natural history of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa cannot be fully understood if individual variation in infectiousness is neglected.

Multipurpose prevention technologies: biomedical tools to prevent HIV-1, HSV-2, and unintended pregnancies

Statistics clearly show an unmet need for highly effective contraception, especially in less developed countries. Many of these countries are at the core of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and show very high prevalence rates for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as that caused by HSV-2. A woman at risk of unintended pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse is also at risk for HIV/STI. Owing to their causative interrelationship, combining protection against these conditions will result in enhanced prevention and health benefits. Existing multipurpose prevention modalities such as condoms and physical barriers, albeit efficacious, face cultural hurdles that have so far hindered their widespread use. Success has recently been demonstrated in large clinical trials, demonstrating proof of concept of microbicides in reducing the incidence of HIV-1 and HSV-2 among at-risk populations. The challenge heretofore is to refine these products to make them more potent, convenient, accessible, and acceptable. Potent antiviral drugs released topically in the female reproductive tract by innovative delivered systems and formulations will provide safe, effective, and acceptable multipurpose prevention tools. This paper provides an overview of existing and novel approaches to multipurpose prevention strategies.

Uptake of biomedical interventions for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

To examine the population-level effects of introducing and/or expanding biomedical interventions for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexually transmitted infections through mathematical modeling.

RECENT FINDINGS

Successes of several ground-breaking clinical trials have invigorated the field of HIV prevention with new enthusiasm and opportunities for research into and application of biomedical HIV prevention. Mathematical modeling has advanced in tandem with valuable contributions to both investigative science and public health. New models provide qualitative and quantitative insights regarding the epidemiological impact of the uptake of biomedical interventions, singly and/or in combination including treatment of sexually transmitted infections, condom use, male circumcision, antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis and vaccine for HIV prevention.

SUMMARY

Biomedical interventions are critical for reversing the HIV pandemic. Mathematical modeling is invaluable for informed biomedical HIV prevention research, policy and practice.

Patterns of herpes simplex virus shedding over 1 month and the impact of acyclovir and HIV in HSV-2-seropositive women in Tanzania

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have examined the frequency and duration of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes HSV shedding patterns among a sample of HSV-2-seropositive women enrolled in a placebo-controlled trial of HSV suppressive therapy (acyclovir 400 mg twice a day) in Tanzania.

METHODS

Trial participants were invited to participate in a substudy involving 12 clinic visits over 4 weeks. At each visit, cervical, vaginal and external skin swabs were taken and analysed for HSV DNA using inhouse real-time PCR.

RESULTS

HSV shedding was mainly subclinical (90%; 57/63 shedding days in the placebo arm). The most frequent shedding site was the external skin, but HSV DNA was detected from all three sites on 42% (27/63) of shedding days. In HIV-negative women, HSV DNA was detected on 3% (9/275) of days in the acyclovir versus 11% (33/309) in the placebo arm, while in HIV-positive women, detection was on 14% (23/160) versus 19% (30/155) of days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HSV shedding was common, varying greatly by individual. Shedding rates were similar to studies in African and non-African settings. Among HIV-negative women, shedding rates were lower in the acyclovir arm; however, acyclovir did not substantially impact on HSV shedding in HIV-positive women.

Antiretroviral-based microbicides and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention

Numerous HIV prevention options have been tested, with limited success. Microbicides have been the focus of research specifically targeted to prevent new infections among women. After decades of research using non-HIV-specific microbicides, we now have proof of concept for antiretroviral-based microbicides. Issues of drug resistance, frequency of HIV testing and adherence to treatment remain to be explored. Drugs used for HIV treatment and with good safety profiles have been shown to provide protection to men who have sex with men. Ethical issues surrounding cost, access, future design of HIV prevention trials and composition of the prevention package offered to trial participants remain. The role of advocacy and market research will be crucial to ensure effective interventions are accessed and supported. There is renewed hope in the HIV prevention field with collective efforts needed to ensure we get the new prevention tools and options into the hands of men and women at risk of HIV infection. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of existing research and identify issues for future enquiry.

HIV transmission: time for translational studies to bridge the gap

More than 7000 new HIV infections are documented each day worldwide. In this Perspective, we dissect new results from a large clinical trial showing that genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads predict the risk of heterosexual transmission and that genital tract viral RNA load does so independently of plasma viral load. Furthermore, beyond its defined study end points, this well-conducted trial identified new research directions that should be pursued in smaller intensive basic and translational studies.

Episodic therapy for genital herpes in sub-saharan Africa: a pooled analysis from three randomized controlled trials

Background

A randomized controlled trial in South Africa found a beneficial effect of acyclovir on genital ulcer healing, but no effect was seen in trials in Ghana, Central African Republic and Malawi. The aim of this paper is to assess whether the variation in impact of acyclovir on ulcer healing in these trials can be explained by differences in the characteristics of the study populations.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Pooled data were analysed to estimate the impact of acyclovir on the proportion of ulcers healed seven days after randomisation by HIV/CD4 status, ulcer aetiology, size and duration before presentation; and impact on lesional HIV-1. Risk ratios (RR) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Of 1478 patients with genital ulcer, most (63%) had herpetic ulcers (16% first episode HSV-2 ulcers), and a further 3% chancroid, 2% syphilis, 0.7% lymphogranuloma venereum and 31% undetermined aetiology. Over half (58%) of patients were HIV-1 seropositive. The median duration of symptoms before presentation was 6 days. Patients on acyclovir were more likely to have a healed ulcer on day 7 (63% vs 57%, RR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.98–1.18), shorter time to healing (p = 0.04) and less lesional HIV-1 RNA (p = 0.03). Small ulcers (<50 mm²), HSV-2 ulcers, first episode HSV-2 ulcers, and ulcers in HIV-1 seropositive individuals responded best but the better effectiveness in South Africa was not explained by differences in these factors.

Conclusions/Significance

There may be slight benefit in adding acyclovir to syndromic management in settings where most ulcers are genital herpes. The stronger effect among HIV-1 infected individuals suggests that acyclovir may be beneficial for GUD/HIV-1 co-infected patients. The high prevalence in this population highlights that genital ulceration in patients with unknown HIV status provides a potential entry point for provider-initiated HIV testing.

Genital HIV-1 RNA predicts risk of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission

High plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations are associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 transmission. Although plasma and genital HIV-1 RNA concentrations are correlated, no study has evaluated the relationship between genital HIV-1 RNA and the risk of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission. In a prospective study of 2521 African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, we assessed genital HIV-1 RNA quantity and HIV-1 transmission risk. HIV-1 transmission linkage was established within the partnership by viral sequence analysis. We tested endocervical samples from 1805 women, including 46 who transmitted HIV-1 to their partner, and semen samples from 716 men, including 32 who transmitted HIV-1 to their partner. There was a correlation between genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations: For endocervical swabs, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ was 0.56, and for semen, ρ was 0.55. Each 1.0 log(10) increase in genital HIV-1 RNA was associated with a 2.20-fold (for endocervical swabs: 95% confidence interval, 1.60 to 3.04) and a 1.79-fold (for semen: 95% confidence interval, 1.30 to 2.47) increased risk of HIV-1 transmission. Genital HIV-1 RNA independently predicted HIV-1 transmission risk after adjusting for plasma HIV-1 quantity (hazard ratio, 1.67 for endocervical swabs and 1.68 for semen). Seven female-to-male and four male-to-female HIV-1 transmissions (incidence <1% per year) occurred from persons with undetectable genital HIV-1 RNA, but in all 11 cases, plasma HIV-1 RNA was detected. Thus, higher genital HIV-1 RNA concentrations are associated with greater risk of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission, and this effect was independent of plasma HIV-1 concentrations. These data suggest that HIV-1 RNA in genital secretions could be used as a marker of HIV-1 sexual transmission risk.

Clarity and strength of implications for practice in medical journal articles: an exploratory analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine how leading clinical journals report research findings, aiming to assess how they frame their implications for medical practice and to compare that literature's patterns with those of the management literature.

DATA SOURCE

Clinically relevant research articles from three leading clinical journals (N Engl J Med, JAMA, and Ann Intern Med).

METHODS

Review of wording of a sequential sample from 2010, with categorisation, comparison among journals, and comparison with management literature.

RESULTS

Clinical journals usually state that one approach did or did not differ from another approach (35 of 51 articles, 68.6%), but they recommended a specific course of action ('therefore, x should be done') in just 25.5%. One article gave instruction on how to implement the changes. Two-thirds of the reports called for further research. Half used tentative language. Management research articles nearly always specified who should use the information and drew from over 60 types of potential users, whereas the clinical literature named the audience in only 23.5% of clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Authors and editors of the clinical literature could test being more clear and direct in presenting implications of research findings for practice, including stating when the findings do not justify changes in practice.

Circumcision of male children for reduction of future risk for HIV: acceptability among HIV serodiscordant couples in Kampala, Uganda

Introduction

The ultimate success of medical male circumcision for HIV prevention may depend on targeting male infants and children as well as adults, in order to maximally reduce new HIV infections into the future.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples (a population at high risk for HIV transmission) attending a research clinic in Kampala, Uganda on perceptions and attitudes about medical circumcision for male children for HIV prevention. Correlates of willingness to circumcise male children were assessed using generalized estimating equations methods.

Results

318 HIV serodiscordant couples were interviewed, 51.3% in which the female partner was HIV uninfected. Most couples were married and cohabiting, and almost 50% had at least one uncircumcised male child of ≤18 years of age. Overall, 90.2% of male partners and 94.6% of female partners expressed interest in medical circumcision for their male children for reduction of future risk for HIV infection, including 79.9% of men and 87.6% of women who had an uncircumcised male child. Among both men and women, those who were knowledgeable that circumcision reduces men's risk for HIV (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 1.34 and 1.14) and those who had discussed the HIV prevention effects of medical circumcision with their partner (APR 1.08 and 1.07) were significantly (p≤0.05) more likely to be interested in male child circumcision for HIV prevention. Among men, those who were circumcised (APR 1.09, p = 0.004) and those who were HIV seropositive (APR 1.09, p = 0.03) were also more likely to be interested in child circumcision for HIV prevention.

Conclusions

A high proportion of men and women in Ugandan heterosexual HIV serodiscordant partnerships were willing to have their male children circumcised for eventual HIV prevention benefits. Engaging both parents may increase interest in medical male circumcision for HIV prevention.

Impact of herpes simplex virus type 2 on HIV-1 acquisition and progression in an HIV vaccine trial (the Step study)

INTRODUCTION

Extensive observational data suggest that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection may facilitate HIV acquisition, increase HIV viral load, and accelerate HIV progression and onward transmission. To explore these relationships, we examined the impact of preexisting HSV-2 infection in an international HIV vaccine trial.

METHODS

We analyzed the associations between prevalent HSV-2 infection and HIV-1 acquisition and progression among 1836 men who have sex with men. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the association between HSV-2 infection and both HIV acquisition and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and linear regression to explore the effect of HSV-2 on pre-ART viral load.

RESULTS

HSV-2 infection increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition among all volunteers [adjusted hazard ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4 to 3.5]. Adjusting for demographic variables, circumcision, Ad5 titer, and significant risk behaviors, the risk of HIV acquisition among HSV-2-infected placebo recipients was 3-fold higher than HSV-2 seronegatives (adjusted hazard ratio 3.3; 95% CI: 1.6 to 6.9). Past HSV-2 infection was associated with a 0.2 log10 copies per milliliter higher adjusted mean set point viral load (95% CI: 0.3 lower to 0.6 higher). HSV-2 infection was not associated with time to ART initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among men who have sex with men in an HIV-1 vaccine trial, preexisting HSV-2 infection was a major risk factor for HIV acquisition. Past HSV-2 did not significantly increase HIV viral load or early disease progression. HSV-2-seropositive persons will likely prove more difficult than HSV-2-seronegative persons to protect against HIV infection using vaccines or other prevention strategies.

Concurrency revisited: increasing and compelling epidemiological evidence

Multiple sexual partnerships must necessarily lie at the root of a sexually transmitted epidemic. However, that overlapping or concurrent partnerships have played a pivotal role in the generalized epidemics of sub-Saharan Africa has been challenged. Much of the original proposition that concurrent partnerships play such a role focused on modelling, self-reported sexual behaviour data and ethnographic data. While each of these has definite merit, each also has had methodological limitations. Actually, more recent cross-national sexual behaviour data and improved modelling have strengthened these lines of evidence. However, heretofore the epidemiologic evidence has not been systematically brought to bear. Though assessing the epidemiologic evidence regarding concurrency has its challenges, a careful examination, especially of those studies that have assessed HIV incidence, clearly indicates a key role for concurrency.Such evidence includes: 1) the early and dramatic rise of HIV infection in generalized epidemics that can only arise from transmission through rapid sequential acute infections and thereby concurrency; 2) clear evidence from incidence studies that a major portion of transmission in the population occurs via concurrency both for concordant negative and discordant couples; 3) elevation in risk associated with partner's multiple partnering; 4) declines in HIV associated with declines in concurrency; 5) bursts and clustering of incident infections that indicate concurrency and acute infection play a key role in the propagation of epidemics; and 6) a lack of other plausible explanations, including serial monogamy and non-sexual transmission. While other factors, such as sexually transmitted infections, other infectious diseases, biological factors and HIV sub-type, likely play a role in enhancing transmission, it appears most plausible that these would amplify the role of concurrency rather than alter it. Additionally, critics of concurrency have not proposed plausible alternative explanations for why the explosive generalized epidemics occurred. Specific behaviour change messaging bringing the concepts of multiple partnering and concurrency together appears salient and valid in promoting safer individual behaviour and positive social norms.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials on the association of prophylactic acyclovir and HIV-1 viral load in individuals coinfected with herpes simplex virus-2

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the randomized evidence regarding the association between acyclovir use and HIV-1 replication as measured by plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load among individuals coinfected with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of seven randomized trials conducted between 2000 and 2009. Inclusion criteria composed of acyclovir or valacyclovir use as prophylaxis among individuals coinfected with HIV-1 and HSV-2 who were ineligible for highly active antiretroviral therapy. HIV-1 viral load was the outcome.

METHODS

Random-effects summarization was used to combine treatment effect estimates. Stratified and meta-regression analyses were used to compare estimated treatment effects by characteristics of trials and participants.

RESULTS

The summary treatment effect estimate was -0.33 (95% confidence interval: -0.56, -0.10, 95% population effects interval: -0.74, 0.08) log(10) copies, an approximate halving of plasma viral load. However, there was marked heterogeneity (P < 0.001). Older median age, valacyclovir, higher compliance, earlier publication, and shorter study length were associated with a larger decrease in viral load as compared with their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests a range of favorable effects of acyclovir on plasma HIV-1 viral load among persons coinfected with HSV-2.

Investing in the future: lessons learnt from communicating the results of HSV/ HIV intervention trials in South Africa

Background

Communicating the results of randomised controlled trials may present challenges for researchers who have to work with communities and policy-makers to anticipate positive outcomes, while being aware that results may show no effect or harm.

Methods

We present a case study from the perspective of researchers in South Africa about the lessons learnt from communicating the results of four trials evaluating treatment for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) as a new strategy for HIV prevention.

Results

We show that contextual factors such as misunderstandings and mistrust played an important role in defining the communications response. Use of different approaches in combination was found to be most effective in building understanding, credibility and trust in the research process. During the communication process, researchers acted beyond their traditional role of neutral observers and became agents of social change. This change in role is in keeping with a global trend towards increased communication of research results and presents both opportunities and challenges for the conduct of future research.

Conclusions

Despite disappointing trial results which showed no benefit of HSV-2 treatment for HIV prevention, important lessons were learnt about the value of the communication process in building trust between researchers, community members and policy-makers, and creating an enabling environment for future research partnerships.

Getting research into policy - Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) treatment and HIV infection: international guidelines formulation and the case of Ghana

BACKGROUND

Observational epidemiological and biological data indicate clear synergies between Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV, whereby HSV-2 enhances the potential for HIV acquisition or transmission. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a call for research into the possibilities of disrupting this cofactor effect through the use of antiherpetic therapy. A WHO Expert Meeting was convened in 2008 to review the research results. The results of the trials were mostly inconclusive or showed no impact. However, the WHO syndromic management treatment guidelines were modified to include acyclovir as first line therapy to treat genital ulcer disease on the basis of the high prevalence of HSV-2 in most settings, impact and cost-benefit of treatment on ulcer healing and quality of life among patients.

METHODS

This paper examines the process through which the evidence related to HIV-HSV-2 interactions influenced policy at the international level and then the mechanism of international to national policy transfer, with Ghana as a case study. To better understand the context within which national policy change occurs, special attention was paid to the relationships between researchers and policy-makers as integral to the process of getting evidence into policy. Data from this study were then collected through interviews conducted with researchers, program managers and policy-makers working in sexual health/STI at the 2008 WHO Expert Meeting in Montreux, Switzerland, and in Accra, Ghana.

RESULTS

The major findings of this study indicate that investigations into HSV-2 as a cofactor of HIV generated the political will necessary to reform HSV-2 treatment policy. Playing a pivotal role at both the international level and within the Ghanaian policy context were 'policy networks' formed either formally (WHO) or informally (Ghana) around an issue area. These networks of professionals serve as the primary conduit of information between researchers and policy-makers. Donor influence was cited as the single strongest impetus and impediment to policy change nationally.

CONCLUSIONS

Policy networks may serve as the primary driving force of change in both international context and in the case of Ghana. Communication among researchers and policy-makers is critical for uptake of evidence and opportunities may exist to formalize policy networks and engage donors in a productive and ethical way.

Herpes simplex virus type 2, genital ulcers and HIV-1 disease progression in postpartum women

Background

Co-infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has been associated with increased HIV-1 RNA levels and immune activation, two predictors of HIV-1 progression. The impact of HSV-2 on clinical outcomes among HIV-1 infected pregnant women is unclear.

Methods

HIV-1 infected pregnant women in Nairobi were enrolled antenatally and HSV-2 serology was obtained. HIV-1 RNA and CD4 count were serially measured for 12–24 months postpartum. Survival analysis using endpoints of death, opportunistic infection (OI), and CD4<200 cells µL, and linear mixed models estimating rate of change of HIV-1 RNA and CD4, were used to determine associations between HSV-2 serostatus and HIV-1 progression.

Results

Among 296 women, 254 (86%) were HSV-2-seropositive. Only 30 (10%) women had prior or current genital ulcer disease (GUD); median baseline CD4 count was 422 cells µL. Adjusting for baseline CD4, women with GUD were significantly more likely to have incident OIs (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.79, 95% CI: 1.33–5.85), and there was a trend for association between HSV-2-seropositivity and incident OIs (aHR 3.83, 95% CI: 0.93–15.83). Rate of change in CD4 count and HIV-1 RNA did not differ by HSV-2 status or GUD, despite a trend toward higher baseline HIV-1 RNA in HSV-2-seropositive women (4.73 log10 copies/ml vs. 4.47 log10 copies/ml, P = 0.07).

Conclusions

HSV-2 was highly prevalent and pregnant HIV-1 infected women with GUD were significantly more likely to have incident OIs than women without GUD, suggesting that clinically evident HSV-2 is a more important predictor of HIV-1 disease progression than asymptomatic HSV-2.

Challenges in the design of HIV prevention trials in the United States

The design of studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of interventions for HIV prevention is challenging in the US context, where there is low generalized prevalence. HIV incidence is sufficiently high in the at-risk US population of men who have sex with men that prevention trials using HIV infection end points are feasible. In other US populations at higher risk of HIV exposure, efficacy trials of HIV prevention are likely not feasible. However, for interventions where efficacy is already established, conducting trials that test different implementation strategies in these populations could provide definitive evidence about how to achieve high levels of coverage.

Evidence for differences in immunologic and pathogenesis properties of herpes simplex virus 2 strains from the United States and South Africa

BACKGROUND

Genital infection with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is linked to an increased risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, an effective genital herpes vaccine would be an important weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

To test whether a current vaccine candidate can protect against HSV-2 from Sub-Saharan Africa, we examined the ability of an HSV-2 vaccine strain, dl5-29, and other HSV-2 replication-defective mutant strains to protect against genital challenge with US or South African strains in a murine model.

RESULTS

Immunization with dl5-29 reduces infection by both viruses but is significantly more efficacious against the US virus than against the African virus. Furthermore, another US vaccine strain was more efficacious against US than against African viruses, and the converse was observed for the parallel African vaccine strain. Nevertheless, protection against the African viruses was significantly less with all vaccines used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that there may be differences in protective epitopes and pathogenesis between the US and African strains that raise the need for increased doses of the existing vaccine candidate or an HSV-2 vaccine strain based on viruses from that region.

Genital shedding of herpes simplex virus among symptomatic and asymptomatic persons with HSV-2 infection

CONTEXT

Since herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibody tests have become commercially available, an increasing number of persons have learned that they have genital herpes through serologic testing. The course of natural history of HSV-2 in asymptomatic, seropositive persons is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the virologic and clinical course of HSV genital shedding among individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV-2 infection.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cohort of 498 immunocompetent HSV-2-seropositive persons enrolled in prospective studies of genital HSV shedding at the University of Washington Virology Research Clinic, Seattle, and Westover Heights Clinic, Portland, Oregon, between March 1992 and April 2008. Each participant obtained daily self-collected swabs of genital secretions for at least 30 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The rate of viral shedding measured by quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction for HSV DNA from genital swabs.

RESULTS

Herpes simplex virus type 2 was detected on 4753 of 23,683 days (20.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.3%-22.0%) in 410 persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 519 of 5070 days (10.2%; 95% CI, 7.7%-13.6%) in 88 persons with asymptomatic infection (P < .001). Subclinical shedding rates were higher in persons with symptomatic infection compared with asymptomatic infection (2708 of 20,735 days [13.1%; 95% CI, 11.5%-14.6%) vs 434 of 4929 days [8.8%; 95% CI, 6.3%-11.5%]) (P < .001). However, the amount of HSV detected during subclinical shedding episodes was similar (median, 4.3 [interquartile range, 3.1-5.6] log(10) copies in the symptomatic infection group vs 4.2 [interquartile range, 2.9-5.5] in the asymptomatic infection group, P = .27). Days with lesions accounted for 2045 of 4753 days (43.0%; 95% CI, 39.8%-46.5%) with genital viral shedding among persons with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection compared with 85 of 519 days (16.4%; 95% CI, 11.2%-23.9%) among persons with asymptomatic infection (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infection shed virus in the genital tract less frequently than persons with symptomatic infection, but much of the difference is attributable to less frequent genital lesions because lesions are accompanied by frequent viral shedding.

Skin infections in HIV-infected individuals in the era of HAART

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clinicians should be aware of the shift in the cutaneous infectious disease burden in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals as a reflection of immune restoration in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

RECENT FINDINGS

As in the general population but to greater extent, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) soft-tissue infection is a rising problem among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Human papilloma virus (HPV) is exceedingly prevalent and persistent despite HAART, and HPV-associated malignancy is increasing as those with HIV live longer. Herpes, syphilis, and Kaposi's sarcoma continue to plague individuals with HIV. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is common and often presents with infectious cutaneous manifestations.

SUMMARY

This review implicates the importance of the acknowledgment of MRSA infections risk factors, screening for HPV-related neoplasia, continuance of trials to establish the efficacy of herpes vaccines, and awareness of prevalent cutaneous infections presenting with IRIS in those with HIV.

Genital HSV detection among HIV-1-infected pregnant women in labor

OBJECTIVE

To compare genital HSV shedding among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.

METHODS

Women with and without known HIV infection who delivered at the University of Washington Medical Center between 1989-1996 had HSV serologies done as part of clinical care. Genital swabs from HSV-2-seropositive women were evaluated by real-time quantitative HSV DNA PCR.

RESULTS

HSV-2 seroprevalence was 71% and 30% among 75 HIV-positive and 3051 HIV-negative women, respectively, (P < .001). HSV was detected at delivery in the genital tract of 30.8% of HIV-seropositive versus 9.5% of HIV-negative women (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.5, P = .001). The number of virion copies shed per mL was similar (log 3.54 for HIV positive versus 3.90 for HIV negative, P = .99).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that HIV-, HSV-2-coinfected women are more likely to shed HSV at delivery.

Population-based biomedical sexually transmitted infection control interventions for reducing HIV infection

BACKGROUND

The transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is closely related to the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Similar risk behaviours, such as frequent unprotected intercourse with different partners, place people at high risk of HIV and STIs, and there is clear evidence that many STIs increase the likelihood of HIV transmission. STI control, especially at the population or community level, may have the potential to contribute substantially to HIV prevention.This is an update of an existing Cochrane review. The review's search methods were updated and its inclusion and exclusion criteria modified so that the focus would be on one well-defined outcome. This review now focuses explicitly on population-based biomedical interventions for STI control, with change in HIV incidence being an outcome necessary for a study's inclusion.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of population-based biomedical STI interventions on the incidence of HIV infection.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science/Social Science, PsycINFO, and Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), for the period of 1 January1980 - 16 August 2010. We initially identified 6003 articles and abstracts. After removing 776 duplicates, one author (TH) removed an additional 3268 citations that were clearly irrelevant. Rigorously applying the inclusion criteria, three authors then independently screened the remaining 1959 citations and abstracts. Forty-six articles were chosen for full-text scrutiny by two authors. Ultimately, four studies were included in the review.We also searched the Aegis database of conference abstracts, which includes the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), the International AIDS Conference (IAC), and International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS) meetings from their inception dates (1993, 1985 and 2001, respectively) through 2007. We manually searched the web sites of those conferences for more recent abstracts (up to 2010, 2010 and 2009, respectively)  In addition to searching the clinical trials registry at the US National Institutes of Health, we also used the metaRegister of Controlled Trials.We checked the reference lists of all studies identified by the above methods.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials involving one or more biomedical interventions in general populations (as opposed to occupationally or behaviourally defined groups, such as sex workers) in which the unit of randomisation was either a community or a treatment facility and in which the primary outcome was incident HIV infection. The term "community" was interpreted to include a group of villages, an arbitrary geographical division, or the catchment population of a group of health facilities.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors (BN, LB, TH) independently applied the inclusion criteria to potential studies, with any disagreements resolved by discussion. Trials were examined for completeness of reporting. Data were abstracted independently using a standardised abstraction form.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four trials. One trial evaluated mass treatment of all individuals in a particular community. The other three trials evaluated various combinations of improved syndromic STI management in clinics, STI counselling, and STI treatment.In the mass treatment trial in rural southwestern Uganda, after three rounds of treatment of all community members for STIs, the adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of incident HIV infection was 0.97 (95% CI 0.81 - 1.2), indicating no effect of the intervention. The three STI management intervention studies were all conducted in rural parts of Africa. One study, in northern Tanzania, showed that the incidence of HIV infection in the intervention groups (strengthened syndromic management of STIs in primary care clinics) was 1.2% compared with 1.9% in the control groups (aRR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42 - 0.79), corresponding to a 42% reduction (95% CI 21.0% - 58.0%) in HIV incidence in the intervention group. Another study, conducted in rural southwestern Uganda, showed that the aRR of behavioural intervention and STI management compared to control on HIV incidence was 1.00 (95% CI 0.63 - 1.58). In the third STI management trial, in eastern Zimbabwe, there was no effect of the intervention on HIV incidence (aRR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.92 - 1.8). These are consistent with data from the mass treatment trial showing no intervention effect. Overall, pooling the data of the four studies showed no significant effect of any intervention (rate ratio [RR] = 0.97, 95% CI 0.78 - 1.2).Combining the mass treatment trial and one of the STI management trials, we find that there is a significant 12.0% reduction in the prevalence of syphilis for those receiving a biomedical STI intervention (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 - 0.96). For gonorrhoea, we find a statistically significant 51.0% reduction in its prevalence in those receiving any of these interventions (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31 - 0.77). Finally, for chlamydia, we found no significant difference between any biomedical intervention and control (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.77 - 1.4).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We failed to confirm the hypothesis that STI control is an effective HIV prevention strategy. Improved STI treatment services were shown in one study to reduce HIV incidence in an environment characterised by an emerging HIV epidemic (low and slowly rising prevalence), where STI treatment services were poor and where STIs were highly prevalent; Incidence was not reduced in two other settings. There is no evidence for substantial benefit from a presumptive treatment intervention for all community members. There are, however, other compelling reasons why STI treatment services should be strengthened, and the available evidence suggests that when an intervention is accepted it can substantially improve quality of services provided.

Factors associated with HIV infection in married or cohabitating couples in Kenya: results from a nationally representative study

Background

In order to inform prevention programming, we analyzed HIV discordance and concordance within couples in the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) 2007.

Methods

KAIS was a nationally representative population-based sero-survey that examined demographic and behavioral indicators and serologic testing for HIV, HSV-2, syphilis, and CD4 cell counts in 15,853 consenting adults aged 15–64 years. We analyzed interview and blood testing data at the sexual partnership level from married or cohabitating couples. Multivariable regression models were used to identify factors independently associated with HIV discordant and concordant status.

Results

Of 3256 couples identified in the survey, 2748 (84.4%) had interview and blood testing data. Overall, 3.8% of couples were concordantly infected with HIV, and in 5.8% one partner was infected, translating to 338,000 discordant couples in Kenya. In 83.6% of HIV-infected Kenyans living in married or cohabitating couples neither partner knew their HIV status. Factors independently associated with HIV-discordance included young age in women (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8; p<0.0001), increasing number of lifetime sexual partners in women (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3–1.8; p<0.0001), HSV-2 infection in either or both partners (AOR 4.1, 95% CI: 2.3–7.2; p<0.0001), and lack of male circumcision (AOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.5; p = 0.032). Independent factors for HIV-concordance included HSV-2 infection in both partners (AOR 6.5, 95% CI: 2.3–18.7; p = 0.001) and lack of male circumcision (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0–3.3; p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Couple prevention interventions should begin early in relationships and include mutual knowledge of HIV status, reduction of outside sexual partners, and promotion of male circumcision among HIV-uninfected men. Mechanisms for effective prevention or suppression of HSV-2 infection are also needed.

Concurrent partnerships and HIV: an inconvenient truth

The strength of the evidence linking concurrency to HIV epidemic severity in southern and eastern Africa led the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Southern African Development Community in 2006 to conclude that high rates of concurrent sexual partnerships, combined with low rates of male circumcision and infrequent condom use, are major drivers of the AIDS epidemic in southern Africa. In a recent article in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, Larry Sawers and Eileen Stillwaggon attempt to challenge the evidence for the importance of concurrency and call for an end to research on the topic. However, their "systematic review of the evidence" is not an accurate summary of the research on concurrent partnerships and HIV, and it contains factual errors concerning the measurement and mathematical modelling of concurrency.Practical prevention-oriented research on concurrency is only just beginning. Most interventions to raise awareness about the risks of concurrency are less than two years old; few evaluations and no randomized-controlled trials of these programmes have been conducted. Determining whether these interventions can help people better assess their own risks and take steps to reduce them remains an important task for research. This kind of research is indeed the only way to obtain conclusive evidence on the role of concurrency, the programmes needed for effective prevention, the willingness of people to change behaviour, and the obstacles to change.

Risk Factors for HSV-2 Infection among Sexual Partners of HSV-2/HIV-1 Co-Infected Persons

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most frequent cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide and has been associated with increased risk for HIV-1 acquisition and transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of risk factors for HSV-2 infection among HIV-1 uninfected partners, whose partners were co-infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2.

Methods

Between November 2004 and April 2007, 3408 HIV-discordant couples, in which the HIV-1 infected partners were HSV-2 seropositive with CD4 250 cells/mm³ or greater, were enrolled in an HSV-2 suppression trial to prevent HIV-1 transmission at 14 sites in 7 African countries. Clinical & behavioral data, HSV-2 and HIV-1 testing were conducted at enrolment. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed separately, by gender of the HIV-1 infected partner.

Results

Among 3354 HIV-1 uninfected participants, 32% were female and overall 71% were HSV-2 seropositive. Among couples with female HIV-1 infected partners, HIV-1 plasma RNA [aPR 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.06; p = 0.11] and CD4 count [aPR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.01; p = 0.48] in the HSV-2/HIV-1 dually infected female and circumcision in the HIV-1 uninfected male partner [aPR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.00; p = 0.06] were not associated with reduced risk of HSV-2 seropositivity, after adjusting for other factors.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional analysis of African HIV-1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples with prevalent HSV-2 infection in the HIV-1 infected partner, HIV-1 plasma RNA and CD4 count in the dually-infected partner and male circumcision in the HIV-1 uninfected partner were not associated with HSV-2 concordance.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00194519

Advances in the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS among women in the United States

Despite recent advances in testing and treatment, the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the United States has remained stagnant with an estimated 56,300 new infections every year. Women account for an increasing proportion of the epidemic. The vulnerability of women to HIV stems from both increased biologic susceptibility to heterosexual transmission and also the social, economic, and structural disadvantages they often confront. This review describes the main reasons for the increased vulnerability of U.S. women to HIV transmission with particular emphasis on specific highrisk groups including: non-Hispanic blacks, women who use drugs, women with a history of incarceration, and victims of intimate partner violence. Although behavioral approaches to HIV prevention may be effective, pragmatic implementation is often difficult, especially for women who lack sociocultural capital to negotiate condoms with their male partners. Recent advances in HIV prevention show promise in terms of female-initiated interventions. These notably include female condoms, non-specific vaginal microbicides, and antiretroviral oral and vaginal pre-exposure prophylaxis. In this review, we will present evidence in support of these new female-initiated interventions while also emphasizing the importance of advocacy and the political support for these scientific advances to be successful.

Viral linkage in HIV-1 seroconverters and their partners in an HIV-1 prevention clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Characterization of viruses in HIV-1 transmission pairs will help identify biological determinants of infectiousness and evaluate candidate interventions to reduce transmission. Although HIV-1 sequencing is frequently used to substantiate linkage between newly HIV-1 infected individuals and their sexual partners in epidemiologic and forensic studies, viral sequencing is seldom applied in HIV-1 prevention trials. The Partners in Prevention HSV/HIV Transmission Study (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00194519) was a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial that enrolled serodiscordant heterosexual couples to determine the efficacy of genital herpes suppression in reducing HIV-1 transmission; as part of the study analysis, HIV-1 sequences were examined for genetic linkage between seroconverters and their enrolled partners.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We obtained partial consensus HIV-1 env and gag sequences from blood plasma for 151 transmission pairs and performed deep sequencing of env in some cases. We analyzed sequences with phylogenetic techniques and developed a Bayesian algorithm to evaluate the probability of linkage. For linkage, we required monophyletic clustering between enrolled partners' sequences and a Bayesian posterior probability of ≥ 50%. Adjudicators classified each seroconversion, finding 108 (71.5%) linked, 40 (26.5%) unlinked, and 3 (2.0%) indeterminate transmissions, with linkage determined by consensus env sequencing in 91 (84%). Male seroconverters had a higher frequency of unlinked transmissions than female seroconverters. The likelihood of transmission from the enrolled partner was related to time on study, with increasing numbers of unlinked transmissions occurring after longer observation periods. Finally, baseline viral load was found to be significantly higher among linked transmitters.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

In this first use of HIV-1 sequencing to establish endpoints in a large clinical trial, more than one-fourth of transmissions were unlinked to the enrolled partner, illustrating the relevance of these methods in the design of future HIV-1 prevention trials in serodiscordant couples. A hierarchy of sequencing techniques, analysis methods, and expert adjudication contributed to the linkage determination process.

Correlates of HIV-1 genital shedding in Tanzanian women

Background

Understanding the correlates of HIV shedding is important to inform strategies to reduce HIV infectiousness. We examined correlates of genital HIV-1 RNA in women who were seropositive for both herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and HIV-1 and who were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of HSV suppressive therapy (aciclovir 400 mg b.i.d vs. placebo) in Tanzania.

Methodology

Samples, including a cervico-vaginal lavage, were collected and tested for genital HIV-1 and HSV and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) at randomisation and 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. Data from all women at randomisation and women in the placebo arm during follow-up were analysed using generalised estimating equations to determine the correlates of cervico-vaginal HIV-1 RNA detection and load.

Principal Findings

Cervico-vaginal HIV-1 RNA was detected at 52.0% of 971 visits among 482 women, and was independently associated with plasma viral load, presence of genital ulcers, pregnancy, bloody cervical or vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal discharge, cervical ectopy, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, an intermediate bacterial vaginosis score and HSV DNA detection. Similar factors were associated with genital HIV-1 RNA load.

Conclusions

RTIs were associated with increased presence and quantity of genital HIV-1 RNA in this population. These results highlight the importance of integrating effective RTI treatment into HIV care services.

Genital tract sequestration of SIV following acute infection

We characterized the evolution of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in the male genital tract by examining blood- and semen-associated virus from experimentally and sham vaccinated rhesus monkeys during primary infection. At the time of peak virus replication, SIV sequences were intermixed between the blood and semen supporting a scenario of high-level virus “spillover” into the male genital tract. However, at the time of virus set point, compartmentalization was apparent in 4 of 7 evaluated monkeys, likely as a consequence of restricted virus gene flow between anatomic compartments after the resolution of primary viremia. These findings suggest that SIV replication in the male genital tract evolves to compartmentalization after peak viremia resolves.

Methods to reduce the transmission of HIV-1 are hindered by a lack of information regarding early viral dynamics and evolution in the male genital tract. In the present study, we show that SIV in the blood and genital tract are homogeneous during early infection, indicating facile virus gene flow between these compartments. Importantly, the coincidence of the resolution of primary viremia with the decreased virus levels in genital secretions suggest that the dramatic fall in virus replication during early infection underlies the development of viral compartmentalization. Our demonstration of early virus compartmentalization in the male genital tract has important implications for the understanding of early events leading to infection of the male genital tract and the nature of the transmitted virus during primary retrovirus infection.