London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Audio News Review, August 31st, 2007

Philippe Mayaud

Herpes Simplex Therapy Reduces HIV Activity in Co-Infected Patients

REFERENCE: N Engl J Med 2007; 356: 790-9PHILIPPE MAYAUD, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineIt is possible to reduce HIV activity in patients who are co-infected with HIV and herpes simplex type 2.Philippe Mayaudtells us about the study which showed reduced HIV concentration in the blood and vagina when co-infected patients underwent continuous treatment with anti-herpes agent valacyclovir.

Chloe Thio

Entecavir Helps Combat HIV but Also Selects Antiretroviral Resistant Mutation

REFERENCE: Abstract: 136LB, 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Los Angeles February 25-28, 2007CHLOE THIO, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineEntecavir, used to treat HBV can lower levels of HIV in co-infected patients. In spite of entecavirs success,Chloe Thioreveals that the drug selects a mutation that makes HIV resistant to entecavir as well as antiretroviral drugs, and calls for a revision of guidelines that recommend its use for co-infected patients as.

Hoosen Coovadia

Breastfeeding Reduces Transmission Rates From Mothers with HIV

REFERENCE: Abstract 13, 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Los Angeles February 25-28, 2007HOOSEN COOVADIA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanWhile early cessation of breastfeeding reduces HIV transmission to the baby, studies show it increase morbidity and mortality in infants.Hoosen Coovadiafound that exclusive breastfeeding (as opposed to ‘mixed’ breastfeeding with formula or supplements) for the first six months of life reduces transmission rates.

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