Microbicide gel: Reduced risk of HIV and herpes infections in women, study shows

ScienceDaily (July 20, 2010) — Researchers have achieved an important scientific breakthrough in the fight against HIV and genital herpes with a vaginal gel that significantly reduces a woman's risk of being infected with these viruses. The results of the ground-breaking safety and effectiveness study of an antiretroviral microbicide gel study were reported by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria.

The microbicide containing 1% tenofovir -- an antiretroviral drug widely used in the treatment of HIV -- was found to be 39% effective in reducing a woman's risk of becoming infected with HIV during sex and 51% effective in preventing genital herpes infections in the women participating in the trial. Should other studies of tenofovir gel confirm these results, widespread use of the gel, at this level of protection, could prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone over the next decade.

"Tenofovir gel could fill an important HIV prevention gap by empowering women who are unable to successfully negotiate mutual faithfulness or condom use with their male partners," said study co- principal investigator, Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Director of CAPRISA and Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University. "This new technology has the potential to alter the course of the HIV epidemic, especially in southern Africa where young women bear the brunt of this devastating disease."

Tenofovir works by preventing HIV from growing inside human cells. Taken in pill form, tenofovir is a common component of various three-drug cocktails that are used to treat HIV infections. The new results now indicate that tenofovir formulated as a topical gel and inserted into the female genital tract also has great promise for use in HIV and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) prevention.

The CAPRISA 004 trial of tenofovir gel involved 889 women at high risk of HIV infection at an urban and a rural site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Overall, 98 women out of the 889 became HIV positive during the trial -- with 38 in the tenofovir gel group and 60 in the placebo gel group. Out of the 434 women who tested negative for herpes at the start of the trial, 29 became infected in the tenofovir group and 58 became infected in the placebo group. The reduced rates of HIV and herpes infections among the women who used the tenofovir gel are statistically significant.

"Tenofovir gel has a potential dual effect in preventing HIV. Since women with genital herpes are much more likely to become infected with HIV, the additional protection of tenofovir gel against herpes creates a second mechanism whereby the gel may have a bigger impact in preventing HIV," said study co-principal investigator, Dr Salim S. Abdool Karim, Director of CAPRISA and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. "The trial results are a significant first step toward establishing the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs for HIV and genital herpes prevention; confirmatory studies are now urgently needed."

During monthly visits, all participants were provided with HIV risk-reduction counseling, condoms and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and each was clinically examined for potential side effects and tested for HIV infection. The study was double-blinded and neither the researchers nor the participating women knew whether a woman in the study received tenofovir gel or placebo gel. Women in the study were advised to use the gel up to 12 hours before sex and soon after having sex for a maximum of two doses in 24 hours -- a dosing strategy referred to as BAT24. Participants used the gel for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two and a half years. The trial team observed no substantive safety concerns from use of the gel. Further, no increase in risky behavior was observed in the women.

The CAPRISA researchers also found that the protective effect against HIV and genital herpes increased as use of the tenofovir gel increased. Women who used the gel in more than 80% of their sex acts had a 54% reduction in HIV infections, whereas those who used the gel in less than half of their sex acts had a 28% reduction in HIV infections. Among those women who became infected, tenofovir gel had no effect on the amount of HIV in their bloodstream at the time of infection. Also, none of the women who became infected with HIV showed resistance to tenofovir.

All volunteers to the study who tested HIV positive were provided care including ARV treatment at the CAPRISA clinics and women who became infected during the study were enrolled into CAPRISA studies and/or the CAPRISA AIDS treatment program at their respective sites for ongoing care and support.

This study was jointly funded by the Governments of South Africa and the United States, through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), respectively. USAID provided $16.5M and TIA provided $1.1 for the study. "USAID is proud to be the major donor of this first-ever proof of concept that a vaginal microbicide can effectively and safely reduce the risk of HIV transmission from men to vulnerable women. The success of the CAPRISA 004 trial perfectly complements the Global Health Initiative and our focus on women's health, both in prevention and sustainable health delivery systems," stated USAID Administrator Raj Shah.

The promising findings of the CAPRISA 004 study is only a first step in determining if tenofovir gel is effective in preventing HIV and herpes infection; additional studies are urgently needed to confirm and extend the findings of the CAPRISA study. Important information is expected from current studies such as the Microbicide Trials Network's VOICE study, which is currently assessing daily tenofovir gel as well as daily tenofovir and Truvada tablets in women in several African countries. Studies of daily Truvada tablets are underway in intravenous drug users, young high-risk women and men who have sex with men.

"We are proud to have partnered with CAPRISA and CONRAD on this important study. We see it as a major victory in the field of HIV prevention research. This is the first evidence that an antiretroviral drug in a gel form -- a microbicide -- can reduce HIV and genital herpes infection in women," said Ward Cates, President of FHI. "The next step is to see whether other studies underway confirm these exciting results."

Only after drug regulatory authorities determine that tenofovir gel is safe and effective for HIV prevention, can the gel be made available to the public for HIV prevention. Since this process can take several years, TIA and U.S.-based CONRAD are working together to address the challenges to making the gel available first to women in South Africa.

"CONRAD has given the rights to manufacture this gel to the government of South Africa to get this much needed product to women in South Africa as rapidly as possible," said Dr. Henry Gabelnick, Executive Director of CONRAD, who provided the gel for the study. "The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is working closely with the South African government, CAPRISA and CONRAD to ensure that this important innovation makes an impact in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS," said Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of TIA.

Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator said, "The results of the CAPRISA trial provide new hope and direction for not only HIV prevention, but also broader efforts under the Global Health Initiative. We recognize that microbicides will be a great asset to HIV prevention efforts, and the U.S. Government is pleased to support this important research."

Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Vice-Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal stated, "This piece of research is a significant milestone for women in the thirty year history of the HIV/AIDs epidemic, microbicides and antiretroviral research. The research represents that which is best in science with direct translation into prevention policy, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to women, policymakers and scientists. These research findings will not only significantly alter the shape and form but also the future direction of this devastating epidemic."

"The trial's findings create a new vision for the opportunity for prevention of HIV and re-define the public health approach to HIV control," added Dr Linda Fried, Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York.

The trial was conducted by CAPRISA in partnership with the U.S.-based organizations FHI and CONRAD with funding from USAID. Gilead Sciences donated the active ingredient for the manufacture of the tenofovir gel.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by CONRAD, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Genital herpes vaccine ineffective in women, study suggests

ScienceDaily (Sep. 30, 2010) — An experimental vaccine intended to prevent genital herpes disease in women, although generally safe and well-tolerated, proved ineffective when tested in the recently concluded clinical study known as the Herpevac Trial for Women.

The Phase 3 trial, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals, based in Belgium, with support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, began in 2002. A total of 8,323 women aged 18-30 years participated in the trial at 50 sites in the United States and Canada. At the time of their enrollment, the study participants were free of the two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Participants in the Herpevac trial were randomly divided into two groups. One group received the candidate vaccine, containing HSV protein along with an adjuvant intended to boost immune responses. The second, control group received a version of Havrix, a licensed vaccine against hepatitis A. This study design gave all participants the potential opportunity to be protected against either genital herpes or hepatitis A. GSK developed the candidate vaccine and also manufactures Havrix.

Each volunteer was vaccinated at the beginning of the study and again one and six months later. The participants were followed for 20 months after the initial injection and evaluated at each visit for HSV infection and genital herpes disease.

In two earlier studies involving men and women who did not have genital herpes but whose sexual partners were known to be infected, the candidate vaccine prevented genital herpes disease in more than 70 percent of the female volunteers who were free of HSV-1 and HSV-2 but had no clear effect in men. These studies formed the basis to conduct the larger Herpevac study in women only.

In the Herpevac study, however, the investigational vaccine was ineffective in protecting against genital herpes disease. The estimate of vaccine effectiveness was 20 percent, but all estimates have statistical uncertainty, and this effect was not substantially different from zero.

It is not known at this time why the vaccine proved ineffective, but the study collaborators continue to evaluate the trial data and intend to provide a more detailed analysis at a later date.

All the study investigators have been informed of the results. Study participants are being notified as to which vaccine they received, and those volunteers who received the candidate herpes vaccine are being offered Havrix.

HSV-1 and HSV-2, which cause cold sores and genital herpes disease, may be transmitted through sexual or other skin-to-skin contact, and can be spread even when the infected individual shows no symptoms. HSV can cause severe illness in infants born to HSV-infected women, and the virus has been identified as a risk factor for HIV transmission in adults. An estimated 1 in 4 women in the United States has genital herpes.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

View the original article here

Apr 23, Vaginal Herpes: What Women Should Know about Genital Herpes?

Vaginal herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that keeps affecting more and more women. It can cause a lot of pain and even death to newborn babies. However a vast majority of women seem unaware of the situation.

Why it is important to know about vaginal herpesFemale herpes symptomsHerpes and pregnancy

Herpes should be a major concern for women because studies have shown that they are four times more at risk of getting infected with herpes than men. This is because their genital surface area is bigger and often moist compared to men’s.

Women are also prone to hormonal changes during menstruation, which tends to wreak havoc in their immune responses and expose them to genital herpes.

During an outbreak, the ratio of women manifesting severe symptoms of genital herpes such as painful urination and discharge is 4 out of 5, but only 1 out of 4 in men. Also, during an initial outbreak, 7 out of 10 women suffer from flu-like symptoms along with herpes such as fever, headache, swollen glands, and painful joints.

Still another reason why you should guard yourself against herpes is that people with herpes are four times more likely to get infected with AIDS.
Condoms may partially protect against herpes, although oral sex is also another way you can get the herpes virus.

Most women manifest only minimal herpes symptoms. Red flags to watch out for are blisters on or around your genitals or rectum. When blisters dry out during the first outbreak, they leave tender ulcers or sores that usually take two weeks to a month before they heal.
Another outbreak of vaginal herpes usually appears after a few weeks or months, but this is usually less severe and with shorter duration than the first.

You may experience flu-like symptoms during the primary outbreak of genital herpes. Take note, though, that women who have herpes infection usually only notice mild signs which they usually mistake for insect bites or other skin problems. This is the reason why most people only recognize the symptoms of vaginal herpes years after the onset of infection.

The herpes virus stays in the body indefinitely, but herpes outbreaks tend to diminish over time. Those with frequent symptomatic outbreaks of genital herpes are prone to more shedding, and are at higher risk of infecting others.

Medical experts say that 20 to 25 percent of pregnant women have herpes and 2 percent acquire it during pregnancy. Women who get infected with the genital herpes virus at the later part of pregnancy have a higher risk of transmitting it to their infants.

It is also possible for women with herpes to give birth to uninfected babies, although every year, some 1,500 to 2,000 new mother-to-baby herpes infections are diagnosed. A continued rise in the number of cases has been noted, leading experts to believe that vaginal herpes among pregnant women is also on the rise.

A mother may pass on the herpes virus to her baby before, during or after delivery, although the most common is during childbirth. It is estimated that 1 to 2 percent of pregnant women with recurring herpes have asymptomatic shedding (without noticeable symptoms) during childbirth.

The transmission happens during the passage of the infant through the herpes virus infected birth canal during delivery. This is the reason why doctors usually recommend delivery via a c-section.

They may be rare, but newborns getting infected with the vaginal herpes virus suffer life-threatening and long-term complications including damage to the brain and nervous system. Some even die even after prompt medical treatment.
Early warning signs of herpes infections in babies include fever, listlessness, skin sores and lack of appetite. Seek immediate medical help and testing for your child if you notice these symptoms.

The best way to protect your baby is to remain symptom free and avoid sexual contact with your partner. If your partner is infected he should do everything he can to protect you from getting vaginal herpes.If either of you is infected you should learn how to prevent and cure herpes.

Vaginal herpes or Yeast infectionHave you ever wondered if your symptoms were caused by a virus or a fungi? Do you want to know how to make the difference?

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Genital herpes vaccine ineffective in women, study suggests

ScienceDaily (Sep. 30, 2010) — An experimental vaccine intended to prevent genital herpes disease in women, although generally safe and well-tolerated, proved ineffective when tested in the recently concluded clinical study known as the Herpevac Trial for Women.

The Phase 3 trial, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals, based in Belgium, with support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, began in 2002. A total of 8,323 women aged 18-30 years participated in the trial at 50 sites in the United States and Canada. At the time of their enrollment, the study participants were free of the two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Participants in the Herpevac trial were randomly divided into two groups. One group received the candidate vaccine, containing HSV protein along with an adjuvant intended to boost immune responses. The second, control group received a version of Havrix, a licensed vaccine against hepatitis A. This study design gave all participants the potential opportunity to be protected against either genital herpes or hepatitis A. GSK developed the candidate vaccine and also manufactures Havrix.

Each volunteer was vaccinated at the beginning of the study and again one and six months later. The participants were followed for 20 months after the initial injection and evaluated at each visit for HSV infection and genital herpes disease.

In two earlier studies involving men and women who did not have genital herpes but whose sexual partners were known to be infected, the candidate vaccine prevented genital herpes disease in more than 70 percent of the female volunteers who were free of HSV-1 and HSV-2 but had no clear effect in men. These studies formed the basis to conduct the larger Herpevac study in women only.

In the Herpevac study, however, the investigational vaccine was ineffective in protecting against genital herpes disease. The estimate of vaccine effectiveness was 20 percent, but all estimates have statistical uncertainty, and this effect was not substantially different from zero.

It is not known at this time why the vaccine proved ineffective, but the study collaborators continue to evaluate the trial data and intend to provide a more detailed analysis at a later date.

All the study investigators have been informed of the results. Study participants are being notified as to which vaccine they received, and those volunteers who received the candidate herpes vaccine are being offered Havrix.

HSV-1 and HSV-2, which cause cold sores and genital herpes disease, may be transmitted through sexual or other skin-to-skin contact, and can be spread even when the infected individual shows no symptoms. HSV can cause severe illness in infants born to HSV-infected women, and the virus has been identified as a risk factor for HIV transmission in adults. An estimated 1 in 4 women in the United States has genital herpes.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

View the original article here

Microbicide gel: Reduced risk of HIV and herpes infections in women, study shows

ScienceDaily (July 19, 2010) — Researchers have achieved an important scientific breakthrough in the fight against HIV and genital herpes with a vaginal gel that significantly reduces a woman's risk of being infected with these viruses. The results of the ground-breaking safety and effectiveness study of an antiretroviral microbicide gel study were reported by the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria.

The microbicide containing 1% tenofovir -- an antiretroviral drug widely used in the treatment of HIV -- was found to be 39% effective in reducing a woman's risk of becoming infected with HIV during sex and 51% effective in preventing genital herpes infections in the women participating in the trial. Should other studies of tenofovir gel confirm these results, widespread use of the gel, at this level of protection, could prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone over the next decade.

"Tenofovir gel could fill an important HIV prevention gap by empowering women who are unable to successfully negotiate mutual faithfulness or condom use with their male partners," said study co- principal investigator, Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Director of CAPRISA and Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University. "This new technology has the potential to alter the course of the HIV epidemic, especially in southern Africa where young women bear the brunt of this devastating disease."

Tenofovir works by preventing HIV from growing inside human cells. Taken in pill form, tenofovir is a common component of various three-drug cocktails that are used to treat HIV infections. The new results now indicate that tenofovir formulated as a topical gel and inserted into the female genital tract also has great promise for use in HIV and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) prevention.

The CAPRISA 004 trial of tenofovir gel involved 889 women at high risk of HIV infection at an urban and a rural site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Overall, 98 women out of the 889 became HIV positive during the trial -- with 38 in the tenofovir gel group and 60 in the placebo gel group. Out of the 434 women who tested negative for herpes at the start of the trial, 29 became infected in the tenofovir group and 58 became infected in the placebo group. The reduced rates of HIV and herpes infections among the women who used the tenofovir gel are statistically significant.

"Tenofovir gel has a potential dual effect in preventing HIV. Since women with genital herpes are much more likely to become infected with HIV, the additional protection of tenofovir gel against herpes creates a second mechanism whereby the gel may have a bigger impact in preventing HIV," said study co-principal investigator, Dr Salim S. Abdool Karim, Director of CAPRISA and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. "The trial results are a significant first step toward establishing the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs for HIV and genital herpes prevention; confirmatory studies are now urgently needed."

During monthly visits, all participants were provided with HIV risk-reduction counseling, condoms and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and each was clinically examined for potential side effects and tested for HIV infection. The study was double-blinded and neither the researchers nor the participating women knew whether a woman in the study received tenofovir gel or placebo gel. Women in the study were advised to use the gel up to 12 hours before sex and soon after having sex for a maximum of two doses in 24 hours -- a dosing strategy referred to as BAT24. Participants used the gel for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two and a half years. The trial team observed no substantive safety concerns from use of the gel. Further, no increase in risky behavior was observed in the women.

The CAPRISA researchers also found that the protective effect against HIV and genital herpes increased as use of the tenofovir gel increased. Women who used the gel in more than 80% of their sex acts had a 54% reduction in HIV infections, whereas those who used the gel in less than half of their sex acts had a 28% reduction in HIV infections. Among those women who became infected, tenofovir gel had no effect on the amount of HIV in their bloodstream at the time of infection. Also, none of the women who became infected with HIV showed resistance to tenofovir.

All volunteers to the study who tested HIV positive were provided care including ARV treatment at the CAPRISA clinics and women who became infected during the study were enrolled into CAPRISA studies and/or the CAPRISA AIDS treatment program at their respective sites for ongoing care and support.

This study was jointly funded by the Governments of South Africa and the United States, through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), respectively. USAID provided $16.5M and TIA provided $1.1 for the study. "USAID is proud to be the major donor of this first-ever proof of concept that a vaginal microbicide can effectively and safely reduce the risk of HIV transmission from men to vulnerable women. The success of the CAPRISA 004 trial perfectly complements the Global Health Initiative and our focus on women's health, both in prevention and sustainable health delivery systems," stated USAID Administrator Raj Shah.

The promising findings of the CAPRISA 004 study is only a first step in determining if tenofovir gel is effective in preventing HIV and herpes infection; additional studies are urgently needed to confirm and extend the findings of the CAPRISA study. Important information is expected from current studies such as the Microbicide Trials Network's VOICE study, which is currently assessing daily tenofovir gel as well as daily tenofovir and Truvada tablets in women in several African countries. Studies of daily Truvada tablets are underway in intravenous drug users, young high-risk women and men who have sex with men.

"We are proud to have partnered with CAPRISA and CONRAD on this important study. We see it as a major victory in the field of HIV prevention research. This is the first evidence that an antiretroviral drug in a gel form -- a microbicide -- can reduce HIV and genital herpes infection in women," said Ward Cates, President of FHI. "The next step is to see whether other studies underway confirm these exciting results."

Only after drug regulatory authorities determine that tenofovir gel is safe and effective for HIV prevention, can the gel be made available to the public for HIV prevention. Since this process can take several years, TIA and U.S.-based CONRAD are working together to address the challenges to making the gel available first to women in South Africa.

"CONRAD has given the rights to manufacture this gel to the government of South Africa to get this much needed product to women in South Africa as rapidly as possible," said Dr. Henry Gabelnick, Executive Director of CONRAD, who provided the gel for the study. "The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is working closely with the South African government, CAPRISA and CONRAD to ensure that this important innovation makes an impact in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS," said Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of TIA.

Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator said, "The results of the CAPRISA trial provide new hope and direction for not only HIV prevention, but also broader efforts under the Global Health Initiative. We recognize that microbicides will be a great asset to HIV prevention efforts, and the U.S. Government is pleased to support this important research."

Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Vice-Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal stated, "This piece of research is a significant milestone for women in the thirty year history of the HIV/AIDs epidemic, microbicides and antiretroviral research. The research represents that which is best in science with direct translation into prevention policy, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to women, policymakers and scientists. These research findings will not only significantly alter the shape and form but also the future direction of this devastating epidemic."

"The trial's findings create a new vision for the opportunity for prevention of HIV and re-define the public health approach to HIV control," added Dr Linda Fried, Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York.

The trial was conducted by CAPRISA in partnership with the U.S.-based organizations FHI and CONRAD with funding from USAID. Gilead Sciences donated the active ingredient for the manufacture of the tenofovir gel.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by CONRAD, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

View the original article here

Medicinal gel cuts herpes risk among women, study finds - Contra Costa Times

Print   Email Font Resize By Donald G. McNeil Jr. New York Times Posted: 10/20/2011 10:56:30 PM PDTUpdated: 10/20/2011 11:31:25 PM PDT
A vaginal gel that sharply reduces a woman's risk of infection with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- is even more effective against genital herpes, a much more common risk for young women in the United States, a new study has found.

The study, by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Gilead Sciences and universities in Belgium and Italy, suggests that the microbicide gel, which was originally developed to fight AIDS in Africa, could lower the incidence of herpes in many women.

"This could be incredibly helpful," said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a herpes expert from the University of Washington's medical school. "Protection that a woman can control is the holy grail in this field. It's hard for me to believe that something that protects against both HIV and herpes wouldn't be appealing to a lot of young American women."

An executive at Gilead, the company that makes tenofovir, the anti-AIDS drug that is the gel's active ingredient, said the company was debating whether to spend the millions of dollars needed to get the gel approved for the U.S. market. Even if the company pressed ahead immediately, "it would be three to four years before we were ready to submit data" to the Food and Drug Administration, said Norbert W. Bischofberger, Gilead's chief scientific officer.

Genital herpes is far more common than AIDS. The World Health Organization estimates that 20 percent of all sexually active adults have genital herpes. In

the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21 percent of all sexually active women have it, including 16 percent of all white women and 48 percent of all black women.

While not fatal, the infection can be very painful, ruining sexual pleasure. The blisters it causes, which resemble the cold sores caused on the lips by a related virus, can also be an entryway for more dangerous pathogens, including HIV and syphilis.

It can be transmitted when neither partner has sores, and even using a condom is effective in preventing infection only half the time, said Dr. Anna Wald, a herpes specialist at the University of Washington's school of public health, because -- unlike HIV -- it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, not just in semen or vaginal fluid.

And although it can often be controlled with another drug, acyclovir, herpes is not curable.

The new study, published online by Cell Host and Microbes this week, explains the surprise result of a much-heralded 2010 clinical trial done in South Africa.

That trial, run by Caprisa, an AIDS research center in Durban, showed for the first time that tenofovir gel protected women against HIV. But it also showed that the roughly 450 women in the survey who did not have herpes were even better protected against it than they were against HIV.

Overall, the gel reduced HIV infections by 39 percent. That announcement was greeted with a standing ovation by scientists at the international AIDS Conference in Vienna last year because it was the first weapon that women at risk of HIV infection could use without a man's knowledge.

In an unexpected bonus, the researchers also noted that it reduced herpes by 51 percent.

The new study, involving laboratory experiments, was done to explain why the trial worked, said Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, a professor of epidemiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and Columbia University and one of the Caprisa trial leaders.

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Greenwich Village Women Are Swimming In STDs

Oh, Bobby, we mustn't!

STD rates are on the rise in Greenwich Village, and it looks like lots of ladies are doing the nasty in some, ahem, nasty ways, according to new data from the Health Department [pdf].

The number of female gonorrhea diagnoses in the Village has skyrocketed by 57 percent between 2008 and 2010, making it the highest spike in the city. Chlamydia rates also rose by 12 percent for women in the Village, though East Harlem ladies took the dubious honor of highest jump for that disease overall (up by 27 percent). Men in the Village, on the other hand, saw a decrease in STDs—chlamydia cases dropped by 30 percent and gonorrhea by four percent. Good job, gents! In the meantime, the Bronx retains its unfortunate titles as the least healthy, most STD-ridden county in the state.

Health officials told amNY that the spikes in the Village are probably due to better testing, but that won't solve the problem: “It’s a great thing that we’re capturing more people,” said Dr. David Bell. “But the fact remains that people are not well-educated about sexually transmitted infections … besides just HIV.” Which is true: another recent study showed that more young people are having unsafe sex than ever, despite Professor Furburger's best attempts to dissuade them.

Hopefully, however, between the newly mandated public school sex-ed programming and the continued success of gimmicky contraceptives, STD numbers across the city will begin a steady decline. Those free condoms by the door of so many Village bars aren't just for decoration. [via DNAinfo]

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Medicinal gel cuts herpes risk among women, study finds

Print   Email Font Resize By Donald G. McNeil Jr. New York Times Posted: 10/20/2011 10:56:30 PM PDTUpdated: 10/20/2011 11:31:25 PM PDT
A vaginal gel that sharply reduces a woman's risk of infection with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- is even more effective against genital herpes, a much more common risk for young women in the United States, a new study has found.

The study, by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Gilead Sciences and universities in Belgium and Italy, suggests that the microbicide gel, which was originally developed to fight AIDS in Africa, could lower the incidence of herpes in many women.

"This could be incredibly helpful," said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a herpes expert from the University of Washington's medical school. "Protection that a woman can control is the holy grail in this field. It's hard for me to believe that something that protects against both HIV and herpes wouldn't be appealing to a lot of young American women."

An executive at Gilead, the company that makes tenofovir, the anti-AIDS drug that is the gel's active ingredient, said the company was debating whether to spend the millions of dollars needed to get the gel approved for the U.S. market. Even if the company pressed ahead immediately, "it would be three to four years before we were ready to submit data" to the Food and Drug Administration, said Norbert W. Bischofberger, Gilead's chief scientific officer.

Genital herpes is far more common than AIDS. The World Health Organization estimates that 20 percent of all sexually active adults have genital herpes. In

the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21 percent of all sexually active women have it, including 16 percent of all white women and 48 percent of all black women.

While not fatal, the infection can be very painful, ruining sexual pleasure. The blisters it causes, which resemble the cold sores caused on the lips by a related virus, can also be an entryway for more dangerous pathogens, including HIV and syphilis.

It can be transmitted when neither partner has sores, and even using a condom is effective in preventing infection only half the time, said Dr. Anna Wald, a herpes specialist at the University of Washington's school of public health, because -- unlike HIV -- it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, not just in semen or vaginal fluid.

And although it can often be controlled with another drug, acyclovir, herpes is not curable.

The new study, published online by Cell Host and Microbes this week, explains the surprise result of a much-heralded 2010 clinical trial done in South Africa.

That trial, run by Caprisa, an AIDS research center in Durban, showed for the first time that tenofovir gel protected women against HIV. But it also showed that the roughly 450 women in the survey who did not have herpes were even better protected against it than they were against HIV.

Overall, the gel reduced HIV infections by 39 percent. That announcement was greeted with a standing ovation by scientists at the international AIDS Conference in Vienna last year because it was the first weapon that women at risk of HIV infection could use without a man's knowledge.

In an unexpected bonus, the researchers also noted that it reduced herpes by 51 percent.

The new study, involving laboratory experiments, was done to explain why the trial worked, said Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, a professor of epidemiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and Columbia University and one of the Caprisa trial leaders.

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Genital Herpes In Women And Finding A Cure For It

It is now common knowledge that genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and the culprit is the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2. The major cause of propagation of this virus is intimate sexual contact. Sex being an instinctive behavior of every adult, it becomes very difficult to find a way to prevent this virus from propagating and save the unsuspecting victims from a possible infection. Perhaps, that is the reason, why so many people in America today fall victim to this virus and the increasing number of genital herpes in women.

On an average, one out of every eight men has genital herpes, whereas, in case of women, it is one out of every four. According to the Centers for Disease Control, genital herpes caused by the HSV-II virus is more prevalent in women because they catch it easily than their spouses. The female genital organ is one which is internally folded into a receiving tube. To keep it in good order it is internally lined with mucosal cells and it is the nature of these cells to always secrete mucous into the folds. Mucous being rich in water and other organic substances is a fertile medium for micro organisms to thrive and breed. This is one of the major reasons why women are so prone to genital herpes infections and is the first disadvantage for women.

The second disadvantage of being woman is that they have frequent outbreaks and the symptoms are very pronounced. During this time, genital herpes in women is contagious, because there is an asymptomatic shedding of the HSV-2 virus in the vaginal mucosal cells. The virus is then invigorated and highly motile, so, it can easily be transmitted to an uninfected spouse. Genital herpes in women also is quite obstinate to medication than a case in men.

The greatest disadvantage of being women here is their emotional vulnerability. This virus is very effective in prowling upon its victims during their emotional lows. So, it is imperative that women understand the importance of remaining happy and confident to counter this malady.

As on date, there is no permanent cure to genital herpes. To treat it in women, one should take the route of alternate therapies as the antiviral route is not effective and very unsafe. To be able to take a prudent decision as far as a remedy is concerned, one must keep abreast of the latest developments in this field.

Genital herpes in women to-day is a great concern and needs a careful and modular approach in its treatment, in the absence of a safe and permanent cure. It should be remembered that nothing is impossible, if approached in a correct frame of mind. So, every woman must ensure that they should take enough care while practicing sex or choosing a spouse. It is better to prevent an incurable disease than to resort to unwanted medication. When available, one should take the help of alternate therapies like herbal medicine or homeopathy. With a strong desire to get free from this disease most of the women can succeed in getting rid of this unwanted suffering.

Himanshu Sekhar Satapathy belongs to an Ayurvedic gharana in Orissa, India. He learned the intricacies of Ayurvedic medicine from both his maternal and paternal grand parents. During his service tenure of 20 years in Electrical branch of Indian Air Force, he learned Homeopathy, Pranic Healing and EFT. He is a trainer for the basic level of Pranic Healing. He has treated many people by classical Homeopathy and Pranic Healing. Presently he stays at Bangalore and Bhubaneswar; treats people, blogs and writes.

If you are worried or have more questions, please visit:
http://genitalherpescures.blogspot.com

Genital Herpes In Women And Finding A Cure For It

It is now common knowledge that genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and the culprit is the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2. The major cause of propagation of this virus is intimate sexual contact. Sex being an instinctive behavior of every adult, it becomes very difficult to find a way to prevent this virus from propagating and save the unsuspecting victims from a possible infection. Perhaps, that is the reason, why so many people in America today fall victim to this virus and the increasing number of genital herpes in women.

On an average, one out of every eight men has genital herpes, whereas, in case of women, it is one out of every four. According to the Centers for Disease Control, genital herpes caused by the HSV-II virus is more prevalent in women because they catch it easily than their spouses. The female genital organ is one which is internally folded into a receiving tube. To keep it in good order it is internally lined with mucosal cells and it is the nature of these cells to always secrete mucous into the folds. Mucous being rich in water and other organic substances is a fertile medium for micro organisms to thrive and breed. This is one of the major reasons why women are so prone to genital herpes infections and is the first disadvantage for women.

The second disadvantage of being woman is that they have frequent outbreaks and the symptoms are very pronounced. During this time, genital herpes in women is contagious, because there is an asymptomatic shedding of the HSV-2 virus in the vaginal mucosal cells. The virus is then invigorated and highly motile, so, it can easily be transmitted to an uninfected spouse. Genital herpes in women also is quite obstinate to medication than a case in men.

The greatest disadvantage of being women here is their emotional vulnerability. This virus is very effective in prowling upon its victims during their emotional lows. So, it is imperative that women understand the importance of remaining happy and confident to counter this malady.

As on date, there is no permanent cure to genital herpes. To treat it in women, one should take the route of alternate therapies as the antiviral route is not effective and very unsafe. To be able to take a prudent decision as far as a remedy is concerned, one must keep abreast of the latest developments in this field.

Genital herpes in women to-day is a great concern and needs a careful and modular approach in its treatment, in the absence of a safe and permanent cure. It should be remembered that nothing is impossible, if approached in a correct frame of mind. So, every woman must ensure that they should take enough care while practicing sex or choosing a spouse. It is better to prevent an incurable disease than to resort to unwanted medication. When available, one should take the help of alternate therapies like herbal medicine or homeopathy. With a strong desire to get free from this disease most of the women can succeed in getting rid of this unwanted suffering.

Himanshu Sekhar Satapathy belongs to an Ayurvedic gharana in Orissa, India. He learned the intricacies of Ayurvedic medicine from both his maternal and paternal grand parents. During his service tenure of 20 years in Electrical branch of Indian Air Force, he learned Homeopathy, Pranic Healing and EFT. He is a trainer for the basic level of Pranic Healing. He has treated many people by classical Homeopathy and Pranic Healing. Presently he stays at Bangalore and Bhubaneswar; treats people, blogs and writes.

If you are worried or have more questions, please visit:
http://genitalherpescures.blogspot.com