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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Recurring genital problems could be herpes, Swedish study suggests

ScienceDaily (Apr. 11, 2011) — A study of patients attending sexual health clinics in Gothenburg found that just four out of ten patients with genital herpes actually knew that they had the disorder. However, a third of those who did not realise that they had been infected reported typical symptoms at a follow-up visit, reveals a thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

In her thesis Matilda Berntsson, a specialist in skin and sexually transmitted infections at the Frölunda Specialist Hospital's skin clinic and researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy, investigated the prevalence of genital herpes type 2 among patients attending sexual health clinics in Gothenburg. Her investigation included more than 1,000 patients, both male and female.

Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 infects the genital membranes before moving to the nerve ganglia alongside the spinal cord, where it remains for the rest of a patient's life. Although many people who have been infected do not experience any discomfort, the virus can be activated and spread further through sexual contact. The disorder can also result in recurring genital problems.

"1,014 patients who attended sexual health clinics, the Sahlgrenska University Hospital skin clinic and the Sesam sexual health clinic were tested for herpes simplex virus type 2," says Matilda Berntsson. "The presence of antibodies in the blood shows that a person is infected with the virus."

The test results revealed that more than one in five women and one in ten men were infected with genital herpes type 2. Just four out of ten patients with herpes type 2 antibodies actually knew that they were infected. However, a third of those patients who did not know that they were infected reported typical symptoms in the form of recurring genital blisters and sores at a follow-up visit.

"The study reinforces our perception that genital herpes is common and that most people carrying it are unaware that they have it," says Berntsson. "Non-specific recurring genital symptoms could be undiagnosed herpes, which can be detected with a simple test at the doctor's."

She therefore suggests that people with non-specific genital symptoms who are worried about genital herpes should see a doctor for an examination.

"If the symptoms and/or findings suggest herpes, there are good methods for testing for the disorder," says Berntsson. "Pronounced symptoms can be treated with medicines that alleviate discomfort, and a daily preventative treatment can be given for longer periods where recurrences are frequent."

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Apr 02, Herpes Transmission: What You Must Know

Herpes transmission is the biggest concern for people with herpes. Often they don’t mind having symptoms as much as they worry about transmitting the virus. It seems that many would consider herpes to be no more than a nasty form of eczema if the risk of giving it to someone else did not exist. I had confirmation of this when I did an online survey with people who had already bought one of my books, Herpes Wise. To understand why people with herpes are so concerned with transmitting to someone else, one has to understand how herpes is transmitted and how tricky it can be to prevent transmission.

Herpes is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted with or without any outward signs that the virus is present. Transmission is usually through skin-on-skin contact such as kissing and sexual contact. It can also be passed on by sharing a drinking glass or lipstick.

What makes herpes transmission especially hard to avoid is that carriers may not show any outward signs of the virus, but still be “shedding” the virus from their skin. It is not possible to predict when this asymptomatic shedding occurs.

Genital herpes is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Direct contact with the virus includes kissing or caressing infected areas and vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you have a cold sore and kiss a partner’s genital area you can infect that person with genital herpes.

Cold sores are a sign of oral herpes. They are usually on the lips, but can also appear inside the mouth and even on the face or neck. Oral herpes can also be passed on by kissing, with or without tongues. If you have a cold sore, you are infectious from the first sign of it.

The herpes virus can be spread from one part of the body to another, especially to the eyes. It is important to avoid touching an infected area during an outbreak and remember to wash your hands if you do.

There is little chance of catching the herpes virus through shared towels or toilet seats because the virus cannot live for very long outside the body. It is practically impossible to transmit herpes at the swimming pool, because the chlorine in the water kills the virus.

If you are someone who has herpes, then you will definitely want to inform yourself about the virus itself and all the ways you can prevent both oral herpes and genital herpes transmission.

Further readings:

Four Top Herpes Transmission Facts You Must Know to Prevent Spreading Herpes

Genital Herpes: How is the Virus Transmitted and how you can Prevent Spreading it?

Oral Herpes Transmission and Cold Sores: Learn The Facts!

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Mar 21, Genital Herpes Transmission: How is the Virus Transmitted and how you can Preven

Knowledge of the herpes virus, how it is transmitted and how genital herpes transmission can be prevented, is essential for people who suspect they may have contracted the virus and want to avoid passing it on to others, more especially to a sexual partner.

It is very important to note that it is possible to transmit genital herpes even if there are no visible outward signs of the virus. The virus is usually transmitted through direct skin on skin contact, through oral, vaginal or anal sex. It can also be transmitted by a person with a cold sore who kisses a partner’s genital area, so it is strongly recommended to avoid oral sex in the case of an outbreak of facial herpes.

Genital herpes transmission is not necessarily immediately apparent and people can be in a sexual relationship for a long time before developing symptoms for the first time. This can be the case when one of the partners in the relationship is, unknowingly, an asymptomatic carrier of HSV (herpes simplex virus), exhibiting no outward signs of having the virus. It is impossible to predict when asymptomatic shedding of the virus occurs, but it is estimated to be on a minimum of 5% of days in any given year.

This is an excellent argument in favour of testing for the herpes virus if you have had previous sexual partners and want to embark on a new relationship. Proper diagnosis is essential in determining the presence of the virus, the type of virus present and the best form for treatment for the virus.

In the case of active genital herpes, the use of condoms is an obvious way of avoiding genital herpes transmission along with that of a number of other sexually transmitted diseases. While using condoms is not 100% fail-safe, it can reduce the risk of transmission by up to 50%.

Being upfront with your partner about your genital herpes, while a difficult subject to broach, is essential in preventing its spread. It has been proven in scientific studies that those who reveal to a partner that they are carriers of the herpes virus are responsible for a reduction in its spread.

Another way in which you can avoid transmitting herpes is by watching out for any early warning signs or symptoms which may indicate that an attack is beginning. All sexual contact should be avoided whenever there is an attack in order to minimize the risk.

Choosing a treatment for genital herpes is another important factor in preventing the spread of the virus. You should talk to your medical practitioner about the kind of treatment which is best for you and for the type of herpes which you have contracted. Some people prefer to avoid traditional medication, while others find that suppressive therapy or the use of proven anti-virals is instrumental in avoiding the risk of transmission.

Whatever the course of treatment you decide on, the knowledge of what constitutes risk-taking behaviour, the ways in which the herpes simplex virus is transmitted and the ways in which you can tackle it will be essential in preventing genital herpes transmission.
Four Top Herpes Transmission Facts You Must Know to Prevent Spreading Herpes

Herpes Transmission: What You Must Know!

Oral Herpes Transmission and Cold Sores: Learn The Facts!

Back to top of genital herpes transmission

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May 07, Herpes Foods: it’s even worse than we thought

Unpleasant and often dangerous side-effects of drugs used in the treatment of serious diseases are well-documented. Patients and clinicians often have the tremendously difficult task of weighing the side-effects of a drug against its efficiency before deciding whether or not to pursue a course of treatment.

So would you recommend prescribing a drug whose known side-effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, appetite loss, diarrhea, liver and kidney toxicity to a patient who was perfectly healthy?

That is the controversial decision taken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the case of the HIV drug Truvada. The drug, already approved for the treatment of AIDS in conjunction with other drugs, does not rid the body of HIV but rather inhibits its replication in the body. Now the FDA has approved the drug as a preventive measure for uninfected men who have sex with men, for an uninfected person whose sexual partner is HIV positive and (most controversially) for individuals who engage in “risky sexual behavior” which could result in HIV infection.

The 22-strong FDA committee heard representations from over 40 healthcare professionals, AIDS advocates and patients, most of whom advised strongly against the drug’s approval. But after assessing data from studies conducted inBotswanaandKenya, they came down on the side of approval, though not unanimously.

Supporters of the decision included Kirk Myers, CEO of Abounding Prosperity Inc and himself HIV-positive, who said: “People need to be given the option to choose. This drug is wanted.”

But Robert Elliott, a registered nurse, stated: “There is no question that, if efforts on using [Truvada] are widespread, condom use and other means of preventing HIV infection will decrease.”

Michael Weinstein, president and founder of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation described Truvada’s approval as a preventive measure a “reckless act”.

AIDS activist Miki Jackson said: “To knowingly recommend a drug as powerful as Truvada with such serious side-effects and given to people who are perfectly healthy is frightening.” adding that giving the drug approval was “akin to issuing an engraved invitation for lawsuits.”

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Follow hygienic ways to stave off genital infections

Vaginal infections are caused by a decrease in the natural acidity levels.

The genital area normally produces an odour-free, clear, slightly cloudy, non-irritating discharge. This discharge can vary according to the different time of her menstrual cycle. Certain bacteria live naturally inside the organ as a part of the defence mechanism. They produce acid, which fight infection causing bacteria, yeast, viruses and fungi. Whenever there is a decrease in the acid produced, there is a chance of infection, said Dr Deba Jalal, Specialist Obs and Gynaecology at the Aster Medical Centre in Dubai.

--Discharge with an unpleasant odour.

--Painful urination

--Itching or burning senation in the area

--Discomfort during intercourse.

--Bleeding after intercourse

--Abdominal pains

--Swelling, lumps, redness, blisters or ulceration of the vulva or anus while passing urine.

--Change in the colour and amount of discharge

Candida or yeast infections: Such infection can cause itching and redness of the genital area. It produces a thick, white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese, although the discharge may not be present in certain cases.

Thrush: The factors that trigger the growth of thrush are pregnancy, antibiotics, diabetes, perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene sprays, contraceptive pills, tight underwear etc.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

When there is abnormal growth of natural bacteria in the female genital area, it can lead to a discharge that is usually thin, and grey with a fishy smell.

Though BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, a new sexual partner or a high lifetime number of sexual partners may lead to such infections.

Trichomoniasis

Caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis, this is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The symptoms manifest as a heavy, frothy, yellow-green, fishy smelling discharge.

Chlamydia

Seven in 10 women and half of the men with Chlamydia do not show any symptoms. In women, this infection can spread to uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Left untreated, it can lead to ectopic pregnancies and infertility.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoea passed on through unprotected sex.

Genital Herpes

This virus invades the body through unprotected sexual contact and stays in the body for the rest of one's life. The symptoms include: Painful blisters, pain passing urine, discharge, fever, tiredness.

Genital warts

Caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) resulting in abnormal growth of cells. It is transmitted through sexual or skin-to skin contact. Small round warts appear on or around the genital area. Such infections can be prevented by following safe and hygienic ways. -- news@khaleejtimes.com

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Circumcision Ritual Under Fire Due to Risk of Herpes Infection

NEW YORK -- A controversial Jewish circumcision ritual is under fire after allegedly causing the deaths of two infants and exposing potentially thousands more to the risk of herpes infections.

New York City health officials are pushing a proposed regulation that would require parents to sign a consent waiver before they take part in a circumcision ritual called "metzitzah b'peh," typically practiced by ultra-Orthodox Jews. The ritual potentially poses a fatal risk to newborns, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The legislation was proposed at a Board of Health meeting last month by Dr. Jay K. Varma, deputy commissioner for disease control for New York City's health department, after 11 infants contracted neonatal herpes between November 2000 and December 2011, after the circumcision ritual. Two of the infants died.

Jews regularly practice circumcision as part of their religion, but mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews practice metzitzah b'peh, during which the mohel, or person performing the procedure, orally sucks the blood from the infant's newly circumcised penis.

The numbers reported came to light as the city's health department launched an investigation after the infant deaths were reported in New York, the most recent in September in Brooklyn.

The health department reported last month that an estimated 20,493 infants in New York City were exposed to direct oral suction. Baby boys who were reportedly circumcised "with confirmed or probable orogenital suction" between April 2006 and December 2011 had an estimated risk of contracting neonatal herpes (HSV-1) infection of 24.4 per 100,000 cases, making the risk 3.4 times greater than those infants who did not have direct oral suction, according to the health department findings.

In a statement advising New York parents to refrain from direct oral-genital suction during circumcision, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said, "There is no safe way to perform oral suction on any open wound in a newborn.

"Parents considering ritual circumcision need to know that circumcision should only be performed under sterile conditions, like any other procedures that create open cuts, whether by mohelim or medical professionals."

Reports of infant herpes infections and deaths are not new.

In November of 2004, the Department of Health reported that twin male infants contracted neonatal herpes after the ritual circumcision, one of whom died.

Spokesman Jerry Schmetter of the Brooklyn Defense Attorney's office said a criminal investigation regarding a rabbi who was linked to infant herpes cases, was "still ongoing."

In the case of the Brooklyn infant's death in September, the parents of the baby refused to tell authorities who performed the ritual.

The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg in Brooklyn could not be reached for comment.

Jeffrey Mazlin, a certified mohel and physician in New York who regularly practices circumcision procedures, said "only the more orthodox, the more traditional mohels" perform the metzitzah b'peh.

"[Orthodox Jews] look at it in terms of religion being more important than the individual, whereas someone who is more liberal will make sure that the individual's rights are taken care of," he said.

But the ritual is not just an upholding of a Jewish tradition, but also a firm reminder of their beliefs.

"Because blood is the life-giving element, they believe that it's supposed to be part of the whole procedure," Mazlin said.

The little blood that is drawn from the newly circumcised penis is usually left alone or wiped away under regular procedures, he said.

"There are no known medical benefits to sucking [the blood]." he said.

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