Valaciclovir helps control HIV infection in women also infected with herpes simplex
CDC/Science Photo Library
Treatment reduces the count of HIV particles in blood |
Treating women infected with both HIV and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) with the anti-herpes treatment valaciclovir (Valtrex) can reduce the amount of HIV in blood and genital secretions, according to a study published in The
New England Journal of Medicine (2007;356:790).
Researchers tested the drug (500mg twice daily) in 140 women who were
seropositive for HIV-1 and HSV-2 but who were not eligible for highly
active antiretroviral therapy. After three months, treatment with valaciclovir
diminished the shedding of HIV-1 RNA, reduced plasma HIV-1 RNA levels
and reduced genital HIV-1 RNA levels when shedding was present in women
infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2.
One of the researchers, Philippe Mayaud, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical
Medicine, commented: “Our results have important potential implications
for public health and clinical practice, as HSV-2 control could become
a new form of HIV prevention targeting HIV-infected individuals, as well
as providing clinical benefits. Importantly, an HSV vaccine that would
either prevent HSV infection or diminish the clinical and sub-clinical
manifestations of HSV, with a similar efficacy on HIV as HSV-suppressive
therapy, would represent a long-lasting form of HIV prevention. The development
and evaluation of an HSV vaccine should rank high on the international
research agenda.”
A related trial, data from which are published in the journal AIDS, shows
that women with HIV-1 infection who are treated with highly active antiretroviral
therapy for at least four months can also benefit from HSV-suppressive
therapy. The researchers conclude that valaciclovir had an additional
impact on the residual shedding of HIV-1 despite good systemic control
of the virus (2006;20:2305).
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