Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fanghui Ren, Ryo Narita, Ahmad S. Rashidi, Stefanie Fruhwurth, Zongliang Gao, Rasmus O. Bak, Martin K. Thomsen, Georges M. G. M. Verjans, Line S. Reinert, Soren R. Paludan
Summary: Neurotropic viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) can infect neurons and cause severe diseases. HSV-induced neuronal cell death is mediated by gasdermin E (GSDME) and involves endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase activation, and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The necrotic neurons release alarmins, triggering inflammatory responses in microglia.
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
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
Nelly R. Mugo, Randy M. Stalter, Renee Heffron, Helen Rees, Caitlin W. Scoville, Charles Morrison, Athena P. Kourtis, Elizabeth Bukusi, Mags Beksinka, Neena M. Philip, Ivana Beesham, Jen Deese, Vinodh Edward, Deborah Donnell, Jared M. Baeten
Summary: This study found no association between HSV-2 acquisition and the use of three contraceptive methods through a randomized trial. Previous observational studies have suggested a possible association between the use of intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) and HSV-2 acquisition.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kristen R. Moore, Quaker E. Harmon, Donna D. Baird
Summary: In a study of African-American women in Detroit, Michigan, there was found to be no association between HSV-2 infection and uterine fibroids. Longitudinal measures showed that HSV-2 infection did not increase the risk of fibroid-related health problems in women.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Han Yan, Jie Wang, Jiayi Yang, Zhongqiu Xu, Chunxia Li, Cui Hao, Shixin Wang, Wei Wang
Summary: This study explored the anti-HSV-2 activity of a marine sulfated polysaccharide known as PSSD. It was found that PSSD demonstrated significant anti-HSV-2 activity with low cytotoxicity in vitro. PSSD was observed to directly interact with virus particles to prevent virus adsorption and inhibit virus-induced membrane fusion. In vivo experiments showed that PSSD effectively attenuated genital herpes symptoms, reduced virus shedding, and outperformed acyclovir. These findings highlight the potential of PSSD as a novel anti-genital herpes agent.
Article
Immunology
Mette Ratzer Freytag, Sofie Eg Jorgensen, Michelle Molgaard Thomsen, Ali Al-Mousawi, Alon Schneider Hait, David Olagnier, Jakob T. Bay, Marie Helleberg, Trine H. Mogensen
Summary: This study describes a 19-year-old woman with systemic HSV-1 infection and HLH, as well as a fatal course of neonatal herpesvirus infection postpartum. Investigation showed impaired antiviral responses in the mother's cells, potentially caused by variants in CASP8 or other noncoding regions of the genome.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jie Wang, Kun-Te Shang, Qiong-Hong Ma, Zhao-Ying Dong, Yi-Hong Chen, Yu-Feng Yao
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether HSV-1 can be transmitted through TNTs and to investigate the effect of inhibiting the Arp2/3 complex on the intercellular transmission of HSV-1. The results showed that HSV-1 can be transmitted through TNTs and that inhibiting the Arp2/3 complex reduces the number of TNTs and the spread of HSV-1. This finding provides new insights into the transmission mode of HSV-1 and suggests a potential new antiviral target.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kavitha K. Prabaker, Annabelle de St Maurice, Daniel Z. Uslan, Gorge C. Yen, Shadi Manavi, Hannah K. Gray, Juan R. Caldera, June L. Chan, Omai B. Garner, Shangxin Yang
Summary: A 39-year-old male presented with fatigue, malaise, and rash on his perianal region. PCR testing confirmed coinfection with monkeypox and herpes simplex virus type 2. It is difficult to distinguish between the two viruses based solely on history and examination.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Noora Kazanji, Andrew Benvenuto, Daniel Rizk
Summary: The goal of this study was to understand the frequency and trend of Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis (HSVE) after neurosurgery, with a focus on comparing HSV-1 and HSV-2. Through data collection, it was found that HSVE has a relatively low incidence rate after neurosurgery but is often overlooked, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
SURGICAL INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ye Liu, Qiao You, Fang Zhang, Deyan Chen, Zhenping Huang, Zhiwei Wu
Summary: Harringtonine (HT) significantly inhibited HSV-1 infection and two ACV-resistant strains by mainly targeting HVEM and reducing the early stage of HSV-1 infection. The study demonstrated that HT could be a promising therapeutic candidate for mitigating HSV-1-induced pathogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yang Wang, Runyang Wang, Han Hu, Jing Jin, Linkang Cai, Siqi Zhang, Fan Yi, Yanxia Li, Zhiqiang Zheng, Qin Zhou, Zhizheng Fang, Binlei Liu
Summary: Oncolytic virotherapy is a safe and emerging therapeutic approach, and a new type of oncolytic herpes simplex virus armed with Bispecific Antibody has been developed for treating human malignancies. Preclinical safety evaluation has shown that this therapy is safe and suitable for clinical trials. It has obtained FDA approval for Phase I clinical trials in the United States.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sanya Yadav, Patrick Commiskey, Regis P. Kowalski, Vishal Jhanji
Summary: This study retrospectively reviewed cases of HSV-2 blepharokeratoconjunctivitis between 1995 and 2021, finding that while HSV-2 is an uncommon cause of keratitis, recurrence can still occur despite antiviral prophylaxis.
CURRENT EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bishajit Sarkar, Md. Asad Ullah, Yusha Araf, Sowmen Das, Md. Hasanur Rahman, Abu Tayab Moin
Summary: HSV is a highly infectious virus with two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2, infecting millions worldwide. This study designed three polyvalent subunit vaccines targeting multiple strains of HSV, which showed stability and potential effectiveness through molecular docking and simulation studies. Validation of these vaccines in wet lab-based studies is still needed.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Luyao He, Jialiang Duan, Qingli Shang
Summary: This study presents an unusual case of herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) acute retinal necrosis with viral encephalitis in a immunocompetent child. The patient had severe vitreous opacity that made fundus examination difficult, but HSV-2 DNA was detected in the aqueous humor. The condition was controlled with antiviral and steroid therapy, and prophylactic laser treatment was performed to prevent retinal detachment.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
B. Hensen, C. R. S. Mackworth-Young, M. Simwinga, N. Abdelmagid, J. Banda, C. Mavodza, A. M. Doyle, C. Bonell, H. A. Weiss
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Helen A. Kelly, Admire Chikandiwa, Bernard Sawadogo, Clare Gilham, Pamela Michelow, Olga Goumbri Lompo, Tanvier Omar, Souleymane Zan, Precious Magooa, Michel Segondy, Nicolas Nagot, Nicolas Meda, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of different cervical cancer screening strategies in women living with HIV in Africa. The findings showed that HPV DNA testing had higher sensitivity for detecting precancer compared to visual inspection and cytology, although it had lower specificity. Triage tests using cytology or visual inspection were needed to determine treatment eligibility for HPV-positive women, and a restricted genotype approach decreased unnecessary colposcopy referrals. In settings with infrastructure, cervical cytology was a useful triage test for HPV-positive women.
Article
Immunology
Victoria Simms, Sarah Bernays, Dixon Chibanda, Silindweyinkosi Chinoda, Abigail Mutsinze, Rhulani Beji-Chauke, Owen Mugurungi, Tsitsi Apollo, Dorcas Sithole, Ruth Verhey, Helen A. Weiss, Nicola Willis
Summary: This study focused on identifying factors associated with virological non-suppression among adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe who had symptoms of common mental disorders. The results showed a high prevalence of virological non-suppression among adolescents, especially those who did not know their HIV status or had not disclosed it. Strengthening communication with adolescents living with HIV and emphasizing the importance of adherence for treatment outcomes is crucial.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Psychiatry
Alicja Beksinska, Zaina Jama, Rhoda Kabuti, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Emily Nyakiri, Pooja Shah, Chrispo Nyabuto, Monica Okumu, Anne Mahero, Pauline Ngurukiri, Erastus Irungu, Wendy Adhiambo, Peter Muthoga, Rupert Kaul, Janet Seeley, Tara S. Beattie, Joshua Kimani, Helen Weiss
Article
Substance Abuse
Jasper Synowski, Helen A. Weiss, Richard Velleman, Vikram Patel, Abhijit Nadkarni
Summary: The study investigated the feasibility and safety of delivering the CAP psychological intervention to patients with comorbid AUD and depression by non-specialist health workers. The results showed that CAP can be safely delivered to patients with comorbid AUD and depression.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Jessica L. Longley, Lisa O. Danquah, M. Sofia Massa, David A. Ross, Helen A. Weiss
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alicja Beksinska, Emily Nyariki, Rhoda Kabuti, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Pooja Shah, Chrispo Nyabuto, Monica Okumu, Anne Mahero, Pauline Ngurukiri, Zaina Jama, Erastus Irungu, Wendy Adhiambo, Peter Muthoga, Rupert Kaul, Janet Seeley, Helen A. Weiss, Joshua Kimani, Tara S. Beattie
Summary: Female sex workers are at a high risk of harmful alcohol and drug use, with a significant number reporting such behaviors. Occupational and socio-economic factors contribute to this risk. Childhood neglect and violence play a role in both entry into sex work and alcohol use. Interventions targeting individual and structural-level factors are needed to address harmful alcohol and drug use among female sex workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Elvis D. Chem, Alissa Ferry, Janet Seeley, Helen A. Weiss, Victoria Simms
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of health-related needs among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study identified seven categories of health needs among ALHIV, including psychosocial needs, dependency of care, self-management needs, non-responsive health services, need for food and financial support, inadequate information about HIV, and developmental and growth needs. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on stigma reduction, disclosure challenges, and innovative coping mechanisms for ART to effectively address the health needs of ALHIV. Additionally, addressing the perspective of caregivers and healthcare providers, such as financial support schemes and adolescent-friendly healthcare strategies, can also improve adolescent ART adherence outcomes.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
K. Sorsdahl, C. van der Westhuizen, N. Hornsby, Y. Jacobs, M. Poole, M. Neuman, H. A. Weiss, B. Myers
Summary: The ASPIRE intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable among South African adolescents, although modifications to the trial design and intervention delivery are needed to optimize validity.
PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Emily Nyariki, Rhoda Wanjiru, Pooja Shah, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Helen A. Weiss, Janet Seeley, Joshua Kimani, Tara S. Beattie
Summary: Women who sell sex face challenges in raising their children due to socio-economic difficulties and the stigma associated with their work. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, which explored the experiences of female sex workers who are also mothers. Interviews with 39 women revealed themes related to their entry into sex work, childcare arrangements, maintaining respectability for their children, and prioritizing safety and security. Results indicate that poverty and lack of reliable income sources drove women to engage in sex work, but they demonstrated agency in balancing their stigmatized work with their roles as mothers.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mandikudza Tembo, Leyla Sophie Larsson, Helen A. Weiss, Tsitsi Bandason, Nicol Redzo, Ethel Dauya, Tafadzwa Nzanza, Pauline Ishumael, Nancy Gweshe, Precious Ndlovu, Chido Dziva Chikwari, Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza, Jenny Renju, Suzanna C. Francis, Rashida Ferrand, Constance R. S. Mackworth-Young
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of a comprehensive menstrual health intervention on improving menstrual knowledge, perceptions, and practices among young women in Harare, Zimbabwe. The intervention resulted in improved menstrual health outcomes, although sociocultural norms, stigma, and environmental factors influenced the intervention's impact.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pooja Shah, Tara S. Beattie, Rhoda Kabuti, Jennifer Liku, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Zaina Jama, Rupert Kaul, Helen Anne Weiss, Nambusi Kyegombe, Graham F. Medley, Karen Devries, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Joshua Kimani, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study aims to explore the structural and social factors that influence the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. The findings revealed that childhood experiences of violence, poverty, and incomplete education were intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, and relationship breakdown, leading to entry into sex work. Sex workers perceived sex work as risky but providing them with some financial independence and agency.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Iornum Shambe, Katherine Thomas, John Bradley, Tanya Marchant, Helen A. Weiss, Emily L. Webb
Summary: This case study examines the representation of authors from low and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions in research publications. The findings indicate that authors affiliated with LMIC institutions are under-represented in first and last authorship positions compared to those from high-income country (HIC) institutions. Additionally, the study reveals a lower proportion of senior authors from LMIC institutions in high impact journals and multicountry studies.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sonal Mathur, Helen A. Weiss, Melissa Neuman, Andy P. Field, Baptiste Leurent, Tejaswi Shetty, E. J. James, Pooja Nair, Rhea Mathews, Kanika Malik, Daniel Michelson, Vikram Patel
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a digital training course on the competency of nonspecialists to deliver a problem-solving intervention for adolescents with common mental health problems in India. The study will recruit participants to receive either a self-guided digital training or a digital training with coaching. The findings will be used to support the scaling up of evidence-based mental health interventions for young people.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
J. Dietrich, N. Ahmed, S. Nash, G. Tshabalala, T. Nematadzira, S. Hornschuh, M. Atujuna, M. Mulaudzi, R. Muhumuza, A. Ssemata, A. Kakande, L. Stranix-Chibanda, N. Martinson, L. -G. Bekker, H. A. Weiss
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
