Tenofovir Gel for Preventing HSV-2 Infection?

In a study involving women in South Africa, pericoital application of tenofovir gel halved the risk for acquiring herpes simplex virus type 2.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Tenofovir, a nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor used in tablet form for treating HIV infection, also has activity against HSV-2. In the VOICE trial (results recently reported but not yet published), tenofovir gel reduced the risk for acquiring HSV-2 by 46%. To further evaluate its efficacy in preventing HSV-2 infection, investigators conducted a subgroup analysis involving 422 HSV-2–negative women enrolled in CAPRISA 004, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial conducted in South Africa to assess whether tenofovir gel prevents HIV transmission to women.

Tenofovir and placebo gels were dispensed in prefilled vag…

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Tenofovir Gel for Preventing HSV-2 Infection?

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Reviewing Author