Brief Report: Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Shedding and Genital Ulcers During Early HIV in Zimbabwean Women.

Background: Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) seropositive persons have a 3- to 5-fold higher risk of acquiring HIV, possibly because of HSV-2-induced inflammation and recruitment of susceptible immune cells to exposure sites. We hypothesized that cervical HSV-2 activation (ie, viral DNA shedding and/or ulcers) preceded HIV acquisition in the hormonal contraception and HIV cohort.

Methods: Zimbabwean women who acquired HIV were matched to HIV-negative women on visit, age, and bacterial sexually transmitted infections.