http://www.aegis.com/news/ads/2003/AD031461.html

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Vaccine May Slow Herpes Epidemic

Los Angeles Times (07.21.03) - Monday, July 21, 2003
Linda Marsa

About one in five people older than 12 are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which triggers genital herpes. Because immunizing even part of the population could slow the genital herpes epidemic, researchers are forging ahead with additional studies of a vaccine that reduced transmission and outbreaks in some women, but was ineffective in men.

Roughly 90 percent of HSV-2-infected people do not know it because the symptoms can be mild; many unwittingly pass HSV-2 to their sexual partners. Herpes lesions give HIV a portal of entry, said Dr. Lawrence R. Stanberry, a University of Texas Medical Branch pediatrician who administered the vaccine in recent studies. "If someone is exposed to HIV, they are two to four times more likely to become infected," Stanberry said.

Made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, the vaccine contains an HSV-2 glycoprotein in order to stimulate the body's immune system to neutralize or kill the virus. The vaccine also contains an adjuvant "that turbocharges the immune response," said Dr. Robert B. Belshe, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Saint Louis University, one of the vaccine testing sites.

Vaccine results were announced last year involving 2,700 men and women whose regular sex partners had genital herpes. Among women uninfected with HSV-2 or HSV-1, which causes cold sores, the vaccine prevented disease symptoms in 73 percent, and stopped viral transmission in 40 percent. Even if the vaccine simply prevented women from developing symptoms (meaning the virus is not shedding), it is possible that the spread of HSV- 2 and HIV could still be curbed.

A new study of 7,550 women ages 18-30 infected with neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2 may establish how useful the vaccine may be. "If the vaccine proves effective," said Belshe, "We'll target pre- adolescent girls to protect them before they're infected with either virus," Belshe said.
030721
AD031461

Copyright © 2003 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. comments@aegis.org.