Antiviral Action of Diphenyl Diselenide on Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection in Female BALB/c Mice.

Diphenyl diselenide, (PhSe)2 , is an organoselenium compound with pharmacological actions mostly related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study investigated its antiviral and virucidal actions against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection in vitro and in a vaginal infection model in mice. The plaque reduction assay indicated that (PhSe)2 showed virucidal and antiviral actions reducing infectivity in 70.8% and 47%, respectively. The antiviral action of (PhSe)2 against HSV-2 vaginal infection was performed by infecting mice (10(5) PFU/ml(-1) ) at day 6. The treatment with (PhSe)2 (5 mg/kg/day, intragastric [i.g.]) followed 5 days before and for more 5 days after infection. The extravaginal lesion score was evaluated from days 6 to 10. At day 11, animals were killed, and histological evaluation, determination of viral load, and TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were performed in supernatants of homogenized vaginal tissue. The levels of reactive species (RS), protein carbonyl, non-protein thiols (NPSH), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were determined. (PhSe)2 reduced the histological damage, extravaginal lesion scores, the viral load of vaginal tissue, and the activity of MPO, but increased the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ. (PhSe)2 attenuated the increase of RS, MDA, NOx levels and the activity of GR caused by infection. (PhSe)2 also attenuated the reduction of NPSH content and the inhibition of CAT, SOD, and GPx activities. The antiviral action of (PhSe)2 against HSV-2 infection was related to its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1638-1648, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does offering human immunodeficiency virus testing at the time of blood donation reduce transfusion transmission risk and increase disclosure counseling? Results of a randomized controlled trial, São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in a blood bank in São Paulo, we tested the hypotheses that offering client-centered human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing to blood donors would: 1) reduce the risk of HIV contamination in the blood supply by diverting higher-risk, test-seeking donors away from donation and 2) increase return for results and referrals to care. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We randomly selected weeks between August 2012 and May 2013 when donors were offered HIV counseling and testing (n = 6298), leaving usual procedure weeks as control (n = 5569). RESULTS: Few candidate donors chose HIV testing (n = 81, 1.3%). There was no significant difference in herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) prevalence (a marker of sexual risk) among donors during intervention weeks compared to control (10.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.245). No donor choosing testing was HIV infected, and there was no difference in HSV-2 prevalence between testers and donors (9.9% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.887). Returning for positive results did not differ between testers and donors (three of three vs. 58 of 80, p = 0.386). A higher proportion of donors acknowledged that HIV testing was a strong motivation to donate during intervention weeks compared to control (2.6% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The evidence of our RCT is that offering HIV counseling and testing at the time of donation would not change the risk of contamination in the blood supply, nor improve results disclosure and referral to care.

Understanding the HIV/AIDS epidemic in transgender women of Lima, Peru: results from a sero-epidemiologic study using respondent driven sampling.

In Latin America, transgender women (transwomen or male to female transgenders) have been included in MSM research but without addressing their specific needs in terms of the HIV/AIDS. We present results of the first seroepidemiologic study designed for transwomen in Peru. We conducted a study using respondent driven sampling to recruit transwomen from Lima. Our survey explored sociodemographic characteristics, gender enhancement procedures and sexual behavior. In addition, we conducted laboratory based HIV, genital herpes (HSV2) and syphilis testing. A total of 450 transwomen were recruited between April and July 2009. HIV prevalence was 30%, HSV2: 79% and syphilis: 23%. Sex-work was the main economic activity (64%). Gender enhancement procedures were reported by 70% of the population. Multivariable analysis showed HIV infection to be associated with being older than 35 recent, syphilis infection and HSV2 infection. Transwomen are the group most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Peru.

Demographic, behavioral, and knowledge factors associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among men whose current female partner has genital herpes.

OBJECTIVE/GOAL: The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection among men whose female partners have genital herpes (GH). STUDY: Between 1998 and 2001, 717 men in heterosexual monogamous relationships, without a history of GH, completed a cross-sectional questionnaire on demographic, behavioral, and knowledge factors for GH. Their female partners were symptomatic and HSV-2-seropositive. Risk factors for HSV-2 seropositivity were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: On laboratory confirmation, 25% of the men were HSV-2-seropositive. Factors significantly (P<0.01) associated with HSV-2 infection included: never using condoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.95), prior sexually transmitted disease (STD) (aOR, 1.80; CI, 1.27-2.58), vaginal intercourse during symptomatic episodes (aOR, 1.77; CI, 1.19-2.62), longer partnership (for each additional year aOR, 1.07; CI, 1.03-1.09), and lower knowledge of GH (aOR, 1.14; CI, 1.05-1.23). CONCLUSION: Potentially modifiable risk factors for HSV-2 infection included engaging in vaginal sex during symptomatic episodes, never using condoms, and lower knowledge of GH.

Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in the developing world.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common infection in many countries, with prevalence in some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, higher than in the USA. Prevalence in adult general populations in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 30% to 80% in women, and from 10% to 50% in men. Most data from Central and South America are from women, in whom HSV-2 prevalence ranges from about 20% to 40%. Prevalence in the general population in developing Asian countries appears to be lower (10-30%). In common with the developed world, HSV-2 seropositivity is uniformly higher in women than in men and increases with age. In general, HSV-2 seroprevalence is high in populations whose behaviour leads to a high risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as STI clinic attendees and sex workers (SWs), with some African studies reporting greater than 80% HSV seropositivity in SWs. New infections are most common among young adults, a fact that should be considered when proposing and implementing measures to reduce HSV, and possibly HIV, transmission. Currently, comparison between studies is hampered by the lack of a validated type-specific serological assay that has a similar performance across a range of populations. HSV-2 is a major cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in the developing world. Genital herpes is a cause of morbidity and increases the risk of HIV acquisition, due to disruption of mucosal membranes. Where possible, the aetiology of GUD should be evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while recognizing that co-pathogens can exist in a lesion. GUD management should incorporate HIV testing and antiherpetic treatment.

Sexual and demographic risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 according to schooling level among Mexican youths.

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the agent causing one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in sexually active individuals, is currently considered a public health problem. In Mexico, there have been no population-based studies of the prevalence and factors associated with HSV-2 infection among young students. GOAL: The goal was to measure HSV-2 seroprevalence and identify possible associated factors among students in the state of Morelos, Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: Through a cross-sectional population-based study involving students at 92 schools in the state of Morelos, Mexico, 898 students aged 11 to 24 years old were identified. All of them reported they had already initiated sexual activity and provided a blood sample to detect the presence of anti-HSV-2 antibodies through the Western blot technique. The association between risk factors and HSV-2 was evaluated through multiple logistic regression analysis with stratification by sex and schooling level. RESULTS: In the population under study, the prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity was 5.7% (51/898), and the ratio of females to males was 2:1. The prevalence of consistent condom use overall was 22.6% among the 898 students. For students in Morelos State, Mexico, the HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher among the youngest female students (9.5% among junior high school versus 3.3% among university students; P<0.001). The main factors associated with HSV-2 infection were sex (for females the risk was 2.2 times higher than for males; 95% CI, 1.2-3.9); junior high school status (2.5 times higher risk than university students (95% CI, 1.1-6.0); and having had same-sex sexual intercourse (3.5 times higher risk; 95% CI, 1.4-8.9). CONCLUSION: In contrast with other reports, the HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher among younger people. This finding can be explained by a cohort effect of more exposition to behavioral risks, particularly an earlier age at first intercourse and very low use of condoms among youngest students. Longitudinal surveys about serological responses to HSV-2 infection in different age groups are warranted.

[Seroprevalence of type 2 herpes simplex virus infection in 3 population groups of Mexico City]. / Seroprevalencia de la infección por el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 en tres grupos poblacionales de la Ciudad de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) infection and risk factors in three female population groups in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2000, among a sample population of women living in Mexico City, diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, and women with negative Pap test results from the general population. Informed consent was obtained from all participants to answer a sociodemographic and sex life questionnaire and draw a blood specimen. The presence of antibodies against type 2 herpes simplex virus was determined using the type-specific Western blot technique. Crude and adjusted statistical analyses were performed on the associations between survey data and infection outcomes. RESULTS: Women with cervical cancer had a seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection of 46.8% (191/408); that of women from the general population who were Pap negative was 29.3% (214/730). For women with breast cancer, the seroprevalence was 22.6% (29/128). Variables significantly associated with seropositivity against HSV-2 infection were older age, more sexual partners, having cervical cancer, and, among cervical cancer patients, beginning sexual activity before 21 years of age and being divorced or separated. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of viral infection by population groups. The overall frequency of viral infection among study subjects shows that this is an intermediate risk population, as compared with other population groups in Mexico at high (sexual workers) and low (college students) risk. The main characteristics associated with exposure to type 2 herpes simplex virus for the subpopulations corresponded, as expected, to sexual behavior and to the probability of infection with older age. The English version of this paper is available too at:http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

[Prevalence and factors associated with syphilis and genital herpes in 2 groups of the female population]. / Prevalencia y factores asociados con sífilis y herpes genital en dos grupos de población femenina.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of HSV-2 and Treponema pallidum markers and their relationship with characteristics of women during gynecological outpatient visits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1994 and 1995, two populations of 388 and 448 women were studied in two hospitals; one in Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, and the other in Mexico City. Participants provided a blood specimen for detection of antibodies against HSV-2 and T pallidum using the Western blot technique and the VDRL and FTA-ABS tests. Also, participants answered a questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior. The data were analyzed with the SPSS and EGRET statistical packages. RESULTS: The frequencies of HSV-2 antibodies were 28.3% in women from the first hospital, and 18.1% for those in the second. The frequencies of T pallidum antibodies were 2.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Age, marital status, education level, and number of sexual partners were associated with HSV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Low frequencies were found for infection by the microorganisms studied in both groups. HSV-2 infection was associated to exposure periods, sexual behavior, and socioeconomic level. The English version of this paper is available at:http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Seroprevalencia de la infección por el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 en tres grupos poblacionales de la Ciudad de México / Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence among three female population groups from Mexico City

OBJETIVO: Determinar la seroprevalencia de infección por el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 y los factores epidemiológicos asociados a ella, en tres grupos de población femenina de la Ciudad de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal efectuado en el año 2000, que incluyó mujeres de la Ciudad de México diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama, cáncer cervical , y mujeres de población general negativas al Papanicolaou. Todas las participantes proporcionaron su consentimiento informado para responder un cuestionario sociodemográfico y de vida sexual, y permitir la toma de una muestra sanguínea. La presencia de anticuerpos contra el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 entre las mujeres se realizó por la técnica de "Western blot"específica para el virus herpes simplex tipo 2; las asociaciones entre estos resultados y los datos de la encuesta se analizaron estadísticamente, de manera cruda y ajustada. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres concáncer cervical tuvieron una seroprevalencia de infección por el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 de 46.8 por ciento (191/408); las de población general negativas al Papanicolaou de 29.3 por ciento (214/730), y aquellas con cáncer de mama de 22.6 por ciento (29/128). Las variables asociadas significativamente a la seropositividad contra este virus fueron la edad creciente, el aumento en el número de parejas sexuales, tener cáncer cervical, y entre las mujeres con esa patología, el inicio antes de los 21 años de edad de la actividad sexual y el estar divorciadas o separadas. CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos observados revelaron diferencias estadísticas en la seroprevalencia del virus herpes, de acuerdo con los grupos poblacionales estudiados. La frecuencia global de la infección viral entre las participantes las sitúa en un riesgo intermedio, en comparación con otros grupos poblacionales que en México son de alto y bajo riesgo (trabajadoras sexuales y estudiantes universitarias, respectivamente), analizados en años recientes. Las principales características relacionadas al contacto con el virus herpes simplex tipo 2 para las subpoblaciones estudiadas correspondieron, como era de esperarse, a los antecedentes del estilo de vida sexual y a la probabilidad de infección que confiere la mayor edad.

Prevalencia y factores asociados con sífilis y herpes genital en dos grupos de población femenina / Prevalence and factors associated with syphilis and genital herpes in two female population groups

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la frecuencia de marcadores de infección por el VHS-2 y Treponema pallidum, y su relación con algunas características de las mujeres que acuden a consulta ginecológica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Durante 1994 y 1995 se estudiaron 388 y 448 mujeres en sendos hospitales, el primero en Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, y el segundo en la Ciudad de México. Las participantes proporcionaron una muestra de sangre para identificar, a través de la técnica de Western blot y las pruebas de VDRL y FTA-ABS, anticuerpos específicos contra los microrganismos mencionados; asimismo, contestaron un cuestionario sobre sus características sociodemográficas y de comportamiento sexual. Los datos se analizaron con los paquetes estadísticos SPSS y EGRET. RESULTADOS: Las frecuencias de anticuerpos contra el VHS-2 fueron 28.3 por ciento, para las mujeres del primer hospital, y 18.1 por ciento para las del segundo. En el caso de anticuerpos contra T pallidum las frecuencias fueron de 2.3 por ciento y 1.1 por ciento, respectivamente. La edad, el estado civil, la escolaridad y el número de compañeros sexuales de las mujeres estudiadas estuvieron asociados con los marcadores de infección por el VHS-2. CONCLUSIONES: Se encontraron frecuencias bajas de infección por los microrganismos estudiados en ambos grupos de mujeres. La infección por el VHS-2 estuvo asociada a periodos de exposición, comportamiento sexual y nivel socioeconómico de las mujeres.

Prevalence of herpes simplex type 2 antibodies and a clinical history of herpes in three different populations in Campinas City, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibodies and the relation between the history of clinical herpes and the presence of type-specific HSV-2 antibodies in three different populations from the city of Campinas City, Brazil. POPULATION AND METHODS: One hundred and one college students, 96 patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and 102 women at delivery were interviewed and blood samples were collected. Total HSV (HSV-1 and HSV-2) antibodies were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and type-specific HSV-2 antibodies were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS: Herpes simplex virus antibodies were detected in 66.3% of the students, 97.1% of the women at delivery, and 99.0% of the STD patients. Type-specific HSV-2 antibodies were detected in 6.9% of the students, 22.6% of the women at delivery, and in 53.1% of the STD patients. History of genital herpes was reported by none of the students, by one of the women at delivery, and by 11 of 51 (21.6%) STD patients who were HSV-2 seropositive. Four of the 45 (8.9%) seronegative STD patients reported a history of genital herpes. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HSV-2 infection in Campinas City can be significantly affected by the characteristics of the population studied, as was shown in previous studies. The sensitivity of the history of genital herpes was low in the present series, stressing that prophylactic measures for vertical and horizontal transmission of HSV-2 should not be based only on a positive history of genital ulcers.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in pregnancy: asymptomatic viral excretion at delivery and seroepidemiologic survey of two socioeconomically distinct populations in São Paulo, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) antibodies in child bearing women of 2 Brazilian populations with different socioeconomic status and to determine the risk of neonatal HSV exposure by means of maternal cultures at the onset of labor. The study was conducted at 2 hospitals: A, serving very low income patients and B, serving middle socioeconomic class. 173 participants from group A and 127 from B answered a questionnaire which showed that the patients had similar ages (27.7 and 26.8 years, respectively) but differed with regard to socioeconomic status, age at first intercourse (18.6 vs 20.6 years), number of sex partners (1.5 vs 1.2) and previous sexually transmitted diseases (15% vs. 1.5%). History of genital herpes was given by 11% of group A participants and by a similar number, 7%, of patients from group B. In addition, 200 serum samples from population A and 455 from B were tested by ELISA for anti HSV antibodies and 92% and 86%, respectively, were found to be positive. Sixty seropositive samples from group A and 90 from B were further analyzed by Western blot, which showed the presence of type 2 specific antibodies in 46% and 36%, respectively, suggesting an overall HSV 2 prevalence of 42% in group A and 31% in B. Cervical specimens were obtained for culture from 299 asymptomatic patients of population A and 313 of B. HSV was isolated from one specimen in each group, indicating a 0.3% incidence of asymptomatic viral excretion in both populations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Prolonged treatment with acyclovir in recurrent genital herpes. Clinical, virological, and immunological response]. / Tratamiento prolongado con acyclovir en herpes genital recurrente. Respuesta clínica, virológica e inmunológica.

The effect of a prolonged course of oral acyclovir was evaluated in 55 pts with recurrent genital herpes (36 men and 19 women). The pts were voluntarily enrolled after an acute episode, with tissue culture viral isolation. All the pts received an initial course with 200 mg of acyclovir x 5 for 10 days. Then they were randomly assigned to two groups (double-blind), one received 400 mg t.d. for 6 months and the other placebo. Clinical, virological and immunological follow-up included: tissue culture viral isolation, HSV antibody detection, serum Igs levels, T and B cell count, T-cell subsets (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8), C3 and phagocytosis test. The drug was well tolerated with hardly any side effects. Recurrences diminished dramatically in acyclovir treated pts, in contrast with those receiving placebo who did not show modification in viral recurrences. The immunological study was normal in most pts and did not change significantly during the trial.

[Guidelines for management of genital herpes infection in the experience of a health care center for sexually transmitted diseases in Buenos Aires (Argentina)]. / Pautas para el manejo de la infección herpética genital en la experiencia de un centro de atención de ETS en Buenos Aires (Argentina).

During two years all clinical genital lesions compatible with herpes simplex virus (HSV) etiology were studied systematically through intent of virus isolation in BHK cells. Isolation of virus was confirmed in 85% of the 206 cases studied. All seems to indicate that around the 20% of the isolations belong to the type HSV1 and the rest to the type HSV2. Viral Antigen demonstration, by direct and/or indirect technics with antibodies poly or monoclonals shows to be less sensitive than the virus isolation. The systematic study of these sexually transmitted disease revealed two indicative results: 5.32 cases of Gonococia per each case of HSV were confirmed. It seems to be a possibly relation for the actual epidemiology moment of our country. The other is the need, specially in younger people, to explore systematically syphilis, not only in all the genital ulcers, also in presence of a typical clinical of HSV.