Article
Virology
Tajanna Stinn, Steve Kuntz, Dana Varon, Meei-Li Huang, Stacy Selke, Samuel Njikan, Emily S. Ford, Joan Dragavon, Robert W. Coombs, Christine Johnston, Marta E. Bull
Summary: This study suggests that subclinical HSV shedding in HIV/HSV-coinfected women during ART may sustain HIV tissue reservoirs through antigen exposure or HIV replication. Frequent subclinical HSV DNA shedding was associated with increased HIV DNA tissue concentrations and increased divergence from ancestral sequences, indicating a potential role of immune responses to common coinfections in sustaining HIV tissue reservoirs during suppressive ART.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Arnaud G. L'Huillier, Cedric Hirzel, Victor H. Ferreira, Matthew Ierullo, Terrance Ku, Nazia Selzner, Jeffrey Schiff, Stephen Juvet, Congrong Miao, D. Scott Schmid, Atul Humar, Deepali Kumar
Summary: The study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of RZV in VZV-seronegative SOT patients, showing that RZV elicited significant humoral and cellular immune responses, indicating its potential as a preventive strategy against primary varicella.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Oluwafemi Obisesan, Lebogang Katata-Seru, Steven Mufamadi, Hazel Mufhandu
Summary: Nanoparticles encapsulating drugs show better treatment outcomes in HSV and HIV infections, providing sustained drug release to improve therapeutic effect and mitigate the low drug compliance associated with standalone drugs.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Melissa Krystel-Whittemore, May P. Chan, Sara C. Shalin, Kenan J. Sauder, Amy Hudson, Ruth K. Foreman, Mai P. Hoang, Jeoffry B. Brennick, Shaofeng Yan, Rosalynn M. Nazarian
Summary: This study presents the first known report of herpes virus infecting deep stromal cells of the dermis, highlighting the importance of considering cutaneous stromal herpes in patients with atypical clinical lesions, especially when immunocompromised. Establishing the correct diagnosis is crucial for initiating therapy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Deepthi Konda, Laxmisha Chandrashekar, Rahul Dhodapkar, Rajesh Nachiappa Ganesh, Devinder Mohan Thappa
Summary: This study characterized the clinical markers of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection among patients with pemphigus vulgaris. It was found that male sex, presence of fissures, hemorrhagic crusts, erosions with angulated margins, linear erosions, and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly associated with HSV infection. Hemorrhagic crusts and linear erosions were identified as independent predictors of HSV infection.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anna Jakobsen, Marie Thaarup Skov, Lykke Larsen, Pelle Trier Petersen, Christian Brandt, Lothar Wiese, Birgitte Ronde Hansen, Hans Rudolf Luettichau, Malte Mose Tetens, Jannik Helweg-Larsen, Merete Storgaard, Henrik Nielsen, Jacob Bodilsen
Summary: This study investigates the clinical presentation and prognostic factors of HSV-2 meningitis using a database from departments of infectious diseases in Denmark from 2015 to 2020. The results show that meningitis is common in younger women and unfavorable outcome at discharge is common, but it is not associated with sex, age, immunocompromise, or cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Malgorzata Krzyzowska, Anders Jarneborn, Karolina Thorn, Kristina Eriksson, Tao Jin
Summary: This study provides evidence that treatment with tofacitinib may increase the risk of disease aggravation and severe encephalitis in primary herpes simplex infection by impairing antiviral response induced by monocytes and microglia.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Cooper K. Hayes, Christopher K. Villota, Fiona B. McEnany, Stacey Ceron, Sita Awasthi, Moriah L. Szpara, Harvey M. Friedman, David A. Leib, Richard Longnecker, Matthew D. Weitzman, Lisa N. Akhtar
Summary: Clinical HSV-2 isolates collected from neonates with encephalitis are more neurovirulent in human neuronal cell culture and murine models as compared to isolates from neonates with skin-limited disease, suggesting that viral factors contribute to neurologic outcome following human neonatal infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yinong Young-Xu, Ethan Powell, Gabrielle M. Zwain, Mona T. Yazdi, Jiang Gui, Brian Shiner
Summary: This study investigated the association between symptomatic herpes simplex virus infection and dementia risk in a large US Veteran population and found that HSV infection was not associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, the use of antiherpetic medication was found to be significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia, suggesting a potential protective effect. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm and explore this effect.
Review
Virology
Bangxing Hong, Upasana Sahu, Matthew P. Mullarkey, Balveen Kaur
Summary: Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) shows promise as a treatment for solid tumors, but there are still barriers that limit its efficacy. This review focuses on the essential viral genes that allow for virus replication and spread, with the aim of enhancing oHSV infection and replication among tumor cells.
Article
Microbiology
Kevin Danastas, Gerry Guo, Jessica Merjane, Nathan Hong, Ava Larsen, Monica Miranda-Saksena, Anthony L. Cunningham
Summary: This study explores the effects of interferons (IFNs) on herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and reveals that IFNs have the potential to block virus release from nerve endings, thereby preventing transmission into the skin. The study also highlights the potential wider antiviral effects of IFN-γ in neurons, suggesting its role in HSV-1 reactivation. These findings identify new targets for the development of immunotherapies to impede HSV-1 spread from nerves to the skin.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Catielen Paula Pavi, Isabella Dai Pra, Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro, Isamu Kanzaki, Jhuly Wellen Ferreira Lacerda, Louis Pergaud Sandjo, Roberto Messias Bezerra, Jorge Federico Orellana Segovia, Gislaine Fongaro, Izabella Thais Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of seventeen extracts derived from eight Amazonian medicinal plants against herpes simplex virus and chikungunya virus. Four extracts exhibited significant activity against both viruses, including the drug-resistant strains. Virucidal tests showed a higher level of virucidal activity compared to antiviral activity.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Mashidur Rana, Mizumi Setia, Pratima K. Suvas, Anish Chakraborty, Susmit Suvas
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in herpes stromal keratitis (HSK), with neutrophils being the primary cells responsible for ROS generation. NOX2 is involved in ROS production in neutrophils. However, manipulating ROS levels in neutrophils may help alleviate the severity of HSK, and NOX2 is not the main contributor to ROS generation in neutrophils.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Johanna Laakso, Tytti Vuorinen, Jaana Rautava, Katja Kero, Stina Syrjanen, Veijo Hukkanen
Summary: This study evaluated the HSV seroprevalence and seroconversion among pregnant women and their spouses in Finland over a six-year follow-up period. Results showed a higher overall HSV seroprevalence in women compared to their spouses, with similar seroconversion rates between spouses. Factors associated with HSV seropositivity varied between women and male spouses, with women's age and history of genital warts being significant factors, while male spouses' HSV seropositivity was linked to the practice of oral sex.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marie C. D. Stoner, Erica N. Browne, Holly M. Gundacker, Imogen Hawley, Beatrice A. Chen, Craig Hoesley, Rachel Scheckter, Jeanna Piper, Devika Singh, Mei Song, Albert Liu, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study evaluated the acceptability of a 90-day vaginal ring for HIV prevention and explored women's preferences for a dual (HIV and contraceptive) indication. The findings showed that the extended duration ring was highly acceptable among women, who found it easy to use and comfortable. The study also revealed a high interest in a multi-purpose ring, particularly among sexually active women with male partners.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eduard J. Sanders, Clara Agutu, Elise van der Elst, Amin Hassan, Evanson Gichuru, Peter Mugo, Carey Farquhar, Joseph B. Babigumira, Steven M. Goodreau, Deven T. Hamilton, Thumbi Ndung'u, Martin Sirengo, Wairimu Chege, Susan M. Graham
Summary: Among symptomatic adults aged 18-39 years in sub-Saharan Africa, opt-out delivery of point-of-care (POC) HIV-1 nucleic acid testing (NAAT) led to a higher rate of HIV diagnosis compared to standard provider-initiated HIV testing, including detection of acute HIV infection.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Jahn Jaramillo, Jade Pagkas-Bather, Kimiam Waters, Louis B. Shackelford, Russell D. Campbell, Jsani Henry, Vanessa Grandberry, Luis F. Ramirez, Lorenzo Cervantes, Joanne Stekler, Michele P. Andrasik, Susan M. Graham
Summary: Latinx and Black MSM in the USA show positive attitudes towards peer navigation services, especially if they aid in connecting with other MSM of color. Younger men and Spanish-speaking Latinx men are most interested in accessing PrEP through peer navigation, while bisexual men have concerns about confidentiality.
SEXUALITY RESEARCH AND SOCIAL POLICY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sandeep Prabhu, George Wanje, Brenda Oyaro, Francis Otieno, Kishor Mandaliya, Walter Jaoko, R. Scott McClelland, Wayne McCormick, Melissa K. Andrew, Frances M. Aunon, Jane M. Simoni, Susan M. Graham
Summary: The study adapted the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) developed in Canada for older women in Kenya, resulting in the SVI-Kenya with six domains to measure social frailty. Further validation of this adapted instrument is needed to ensure its reliability and accuracy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clara A. Agutu, Tony H. Oduor, Amin S. Hassan, Peter M. Mugo, Wairimu Chege, Tobias F. Rinke de Wit, Eduard J. Sanders, Susan M. Graham
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the HIV testing history and new diagnoses among adult outpatients in Kenya seeking care for symptoms of acute HIV infection. The results showed that most new HIV diagnoses were among participants who had never tested or tested more than 1 year ago. Strengthening provider-initiated testing could decrease the time to diagnosis for symptomatic adults in Kenya.
Article
Microbiology
George M. Nduva, Frederick Otieno, Joshua Kimani, Lyle R. McKinnon, Francois Cholette, Paul Sandstrom, Susan M. Graham, Matt A. Price, Adrian D. Smith, Robert C. Bailey, Amin S. Hassan, Joakim Esbjornsson, Eduard J. Sanders
Summary: This study investigated the rates of HIV-1 transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM) in three regions of Kenya. The findings showed an exponential increase in infections among MSM during the early-to-mid 2000s, with stable or decreasing transmission dynamics in recent years. The study also revealed evidence of extensive HIV-1 mixing among different provinces.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Casey Adams, Millicent Kiruki, Robinson Karuga, Lilian Otiso, Susan M. Graham, Kristin M. Beima-Sofie
Summary: This study identifies the stigma-related barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Kenya and the strategies used to overcome these barriers. The study emphasizes the importance of resilience and support systems in improving ART adherence among ALHIV.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susan M. Graham, Duncan O. Okall, Supriya D. Mehta, Eve Obondi, George Ng'ety, Elijah Ochieng, Laura Jadwin-Cakmak, K. Rivet Amico, Gary W. Harper, Robert C. Bailey, Fredrick O. Otieno
Summary: Data on challenges with PreP uptake and adherence among Kenyan GBMSM are limited. A study found that despite high self-reported adherence, only a small percentage of individuals had protective PreP levels. Collaborations with the community are necessary to address the challenges with traditional PreP programs.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chenglin Hong, Ian W. Holloway, Susan M. Graham, Jane M. Simoni, Fei Yu, Hui Xue, Dapeng Zhang, Guodong Mi
AIDS PATIENT CARE AND STDS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Susan M. Graham, Robin M. Nance, Junmei Chen, Mark M. Wurfel, Peter W. Hunt, Susan R. Heckbert, Matthew J. Budoff, Richard D. Moore, Jeffrey M. Jacobson, Jeffrey N. Martin, Heidi M. Crane, Jose A. Lopez, W. Conrad Liles
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether biomarkers of endothelial activation and hemostasis/thrombosis were elevated in people with treated HIV before myocardial infarction. The results showed that higher levels of plasma IL-6, CRP, and ANG-2 were associated with subsequent MI.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicholas R. Graff, Chenglin Hong, Brandon Guthrie, Murugi Micheni, Oscar Chirro, Elizabeth Wahome, Elise van der Elst, Eduard J. Sanders, Jane M. Simoni, Susan M. Graham
Summary: Kenyan GBMSM face stigma and discrimination, affecting mental health and ART adherence. The Shikamana intervention showed a significant decrease in PHQ-9 score and a potential correlation between HIV stigma and mental health improvement. Further research is needed to understand the intervention's effects on mental health outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Susan M. Graham, Douglas Barthold, Brett T. Hauber, Aaron T. Brah, Enrique C. Saldarriaga, Ann C. Collier, Rodney J. Y. C. Ho, Vincent C. M. Marconi, Jane M. Simoni
Summary: Recent advances in LA-ART provide new options for HIV treatment and adherence barriers reduction. We conducted a study to determine preferences for LA-ART regimens among PWH in the United States, focusing on treatment modes, product characteristics, and location of administration.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jane J. Lee, Gabriel Robles, Christopher A. Leyva Vera, E. Roberto Orellana, Susan M. Graham, Anh-Minh Nguyen, Yingying Wei, Abraham Hernandez Sanchez, Julia C. Dombrowski, Jane M. Simoni
Summary: This study aimed to develop and pilot a peer intervention to distribute HIV and STI self-testing kits and provide peer counseling to increase PrEP uptake and HIV and STI testing among Hispanic and Latinx immigrant gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. The results showed that the intervention, which included peer-delivered information and motivational support, as well as the provision of self-testing kits, had the potential to increase HIV prevention behaviors in this population.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Douglas Barthold, Aaron T. Brah, Susan M. Graham, Jane M. Simoni, Brett Hauber
Summary: This paper details the pilot testing of an online discrete-choice experiment to elicit preferences for long-acting antiretroviral therapies among HIV patients. The detailed attention to the respondent experience allowed for survey improvements that will likely improve the accuracy of capturing patient preferences and ultimately enhance product development in this field.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
George M. Nduva, Frederick Otieno, Joshua Kimani, Elizabeth Wahome, Lyle R. McKinnon, Francois Cholette, Maxwell Majiwa, Moses Masika, Gaudensia Mutua, Omu Anzala, Susan M. Graham, Larry Gelmon, Matt A. Price, Adrian D. Smith, Robert C. Bailey, Guy Baele, Philippe Lemey, Amin S. Hassan, Eduard J. Sanders, Joakim Esbjornsson
Summary: This study aimed to understand the HIV-1 flow rates between key populations and heterosexual populations in Kenya, as well as between different geographic regions. The research found that transmission within risk groups accounted for 89%, while transmission between different risk groups accounted for 11%. Additionally, there was evidence of HIV-1 dissemination from higher to lower prevalence regions and from heterosexual populations to key populations in Kenya. Key populations and low prevalence regions were found to be minor sources of HIV-1 transmission in the country.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Makobu Kimani, Eduard J. Sanders, Oscar Chirro, Nana Mukuria, Shally Mahmoud, Tobias F. Rinke de Wit, Susan M. Graham, Don Operario, Elise M. van der Elst
Summary: This study investigated the perceived and actual barriers to PrEP programming among transgender women and men who have sex with men in Kenya. The findings revealed that healthcare providers were ill-prepared to provide PrEP to this population and there was a lack of trust between transgender women and providers. The study also suggested interventions to improve service environments and staff capacity, as well as alternative PrEP provision locations developed in collaboration with transgender women and MSM leaders.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)