CTNPT 016: Herpesvirus shedding among HIV inpatients

About the Study

This study enrolled people living with HIV who have been admitted to hospital with an acute illness or opportunistic infection. The goal of the study was to understand whether common viruses like herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) could contribute to their hospital outcomes even without causing symptoms. The primary objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of running a larger clinical study on this research question, and ultimately a trial of antiviral medications for this population.

Background

Co-infection with herpes viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) is common for adults living with HIV. Between 55 to 85 per cent of people living with HIV in Canada are infected with these viruses. These viruses can cause lifelong illness with periodic reactivation and may contribute to poor health outcomes. The reactivation or outbreak of the virus can occur in the respiratory tract, the blood, and many other tissues and has been linked to increased health risks. Therefore, people living with HIV who are hospitalized with opportunistic infections and illnesses are at particular risk for adverse short-term health outcomes.

Vel et tristique magna quam. Amet vel ac non nunc. Ut enim, amet, vestibulum lorem id enim elit, feugiat facilisis. Posuere erat eu ut consequat nunc. Amet egestas donec eros amet ultricies mi aliquam. Non eget semper mollis enim scelerisque malesuada eget. Porttitor pretium nibh nibh vitae convallis. Diam at et consequat viverra felis, purus. Et odio mollis facilisis proin cras ullamcorper integer tortor. Sit tincidunt viverra turpis aliquet enim. Quam neque nibh rhoncus tortor. Neque sed dolor aliquet sagittis, malesuada.

Study Approach

Eligible hospitalized patients that consented gave multiple samples of blood and mucosal specimens for HSV/CMV testing. Study researchers quantified the shedding of herpes viruses, which is when viral particles are released into the body after the virus reproduces. The team compared the amount of virus shedding to the total length of stay in the hospital. The researchers also measured the feasibility of collecting repeated blood and mucosal samples from participants.

Vel et tristique magna quam. Amet vel ac non nunc. Ut enim, amet, vestibulum lorem id enim elit, feugiat facilisis. Posuere erat eu ut consequat nunc. Amet egestas donec eros amet ultricies mi aliquam. Non eget semper mollis enim scelerisque malesuada eget. Porttitor pretium nibh nibh vitae convallis. Diam at et consequat viverra felis, purus. Et odio mollis facilisis proin cras ullamcorper integer tortor. Sit tincidunt viverra turpis aliquet enim. Quam neque nibh rhoncus tortor. Neque sed dolor aliquet sagittis, malesuada.

Results

Forty-five participants consented and provided samples. Most participants were men: 64% tested positive for HSV-2 and 89% tested positive for CMV. Of the people with HSV-2, 42% experienced viral shedding. Of the people with CMV, 33% experienced viral shedding. Repeated collection of mucosal swabs and blood in this population was feasible.

Vel et tristique magna quam. Amet vel ac non nunc. Ut enim, amet, vestibulum lorem id enim elit, feugiat facilisis. Posuere erat eu ut consequat nunc. Amet egestas donec eros amet ultricies mi aliquam. Non eget semper mollis enim scelerisque malesuada eget. Porttitor pretium nibh nibh vitae convallis. Diam at et consequat viverra felis, purus. Et odio mollis facilisis proin cras ullamcorper integer tortor. Sit tincidunt viverra turpis aliquet enim. Quam neque nibh rhoncus tortor. Neque sed dolor aliquet sagittis, malesuada.