March 14, 2008

Treated Herpes Is Still HIV Risk

A new study examining whether treating genital herpes reduces the risk for HIV transmission found that herpes medications do little to protect sexual partners from HIV infections, Reuters reports (reuters.com, 3/12).

The article notes that Herpes simplex-2—or HSV-2—can increase the risk of HIV transmission by as much as 69 percent. To test this correlation, scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine followed 659 Tanzanian sex workers ages 16 to 35. Volunteers were asked to take two pills of acyclovir, a drug that suppresses herpes outbreaks, once a day.

Reuters reports that none of the women in the sample group were less likely to become infected with HIV than if they were taking a placebo. However, scientists note that urine tests of participants revealed that several of them may not have been taking the herpes med as prescribed.

Read more about Herpes in our AIDSmeds Lesson. 

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Previous Comments:

Bill, Los Angeles, 2008-03-18 22:02:48
Herpetic infections can occur in other mucous membranes including the eyes as in my case. A doctor not trained in HIV care misdiagnosed a herpes condition in my eye and as a result i have scarring on my cornea that has affected my vision. Be sure that specialists that are treating you such as opthemologists are familiar with O.Is that occur in uncommon areas.

Susan, Boston, MA, 2008-03-18 09:18:24
But what about how it affects HIV+ women with herpes who want to know if their potential partners might be mroe at risk? HIV+ women seem to get left out of lots of areas of HIV research, treatment and support. What about the quality of our emotional lives?