Tenofovir-Based HIV PrEP Decreases HSV-2 Acquisition

In a placebo-controlled trial conducted in Africa, daily use of pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens containing tenofovir was associated with a modest decrease in herpes simplex virus type 2 seroconversions.

Both herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV are transmitted sexually, and HSV-2 infection potentiates acquisition of HIV.

In four randomized, placebo-controlled trials conducted in high-risk populations, daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir alone or in combination with emtricitabine (FTC) has been shown to decrease HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected sexual partners of HIV-infected individuals. In a secondary analysis within one such trial, researchers investigated whether tenofovir, which has some anti–HSV-2 activity in vitro and as a vaginal gel in vivo, might have a salutary effect on HSV-2 acquisition when given orally to seronegative partners of seropositive participants.

Between July 2008 and November 2010, 4747 …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Tenofovir-Based HIV PrEP Decreases HSV-2 Acquisition

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Reviewing Author