06 Aug Tenovir Gel May Reduce Risk of Both HIV and Herpes Simplex
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim at CAPRISA
Doris Duke Medical Research Institute
South Africa
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Globally, Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) is among the most common sexually transmitted infections and is the leading cause of genital ulcers. Available global estimates indicate that approximately 417 million sexually active adults between the ages of 15 and 49 years had an existing prevalent HSV-2 infection in 2012. Current interventions to prevent HSV-2 infection, including condoms, circumcision, and antiviral treatment among heterosexual, HSV-2-discordant couples, have demonstrated protection levels ranging from 6% to 48%. This study showed that peri-coital tenofovir gel reduced HSV-2 acquisition in women by 51%, rising to 71% in high gel-users.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: If licensed, tenofovir gel could potentially be used as a HSV-2 prevention strategy for women unable to negotiate condom use. Tenofovir gel, when used, has also been shown to be effective in reducing HIV risk. Given the close association between HSV-2 infection and the increased risk of HIV acquisition in women, tenofovir gel has the potential to empower women to control their risk of both HIV and HSV-2.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Research on new long-acting formulations of tenofovir is needed. Since peri-coital gel adherence can be challenging for women at high-risk, especially young women who are not aware of their risk, improved long-acting formulations of tenofovir or other anti-HSV drugs are needed to provide effective long-term protection.
Citation:
Tenofovir Gel for the Prevention of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection
N Engl J Med 2015; 373:530-539
August 6, 2015 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1410649
[wysija_form id=”5″]
MedicalResearch.com is not a forum for the exchange of personal medical information, advice or the promotion of self-destructive behavior (e.g., eating disorders, suicide). While you may freely discuss your troubles, you should not look to the Website for information or advice on such topics. Instead, we recommend that you talk in person with a trusted medical professional.
The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim at CAPRISA (2015). Tenovir Gel May Reduce Risk of Both HIV and Herpes Simplex MedicalResearch.com : https://medicalresearch.com/author-interviews/tenovir-gel-ma…herpes-simplex/16349
Last Updated on August 6, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD