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Cited by 1,192Herpesvirus Infections and TreatmentsHIV/AIDS Research and InterventionsReproductive tract infections research

Herpes simplex virus 2 infection increases HIV acquisition in men and women: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

Freeman, Esther E, Weiss, Helen A, Glynn, Judith R, Cross, Pamela L, Whitworth, James A, Hayes, Richard J·2006·AIDS
DOI 10.1097/01.aids.0000198081.09337.a7
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the sex-specific effect of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) on the acquisition of HIV infection. BACKGROUND: The increased number of longitudinal studies available since the last meta-analysis was published allows for the calculation of age- and sexual behaviour-adjusted relative risks (RR) separately for men and women. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and relevant conference abstracts were systematically searched to identify longitudinal studies in which the relative timing of HSV-2 infection and HIV infection could be established. Where necessary, authors were contacted for separate estimates in men and women, adjusted for age and a measure of sexual behaviour. Summary adjusted RR were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses where appropriate. Studies on recent HSV-2 incidence as a risk factor for HIV acquisition were also collated. RESULTS: Of 19 eligible studies identified, 18 adjusted for age and at least one measure of sexual behaviour after author contact. Among these, HSV-2 seropositivity was a statistically significant risk factor for HIV acquisition in general population studies of men [summary adjusted RR, 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9-3.9] and women (RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.7-5.6), and among men who have sex with men (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4). The effect in high-risk women showed significant heterogeneity, with no overall evidence of an association. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalent HSV-2 infection is associated with a three-fold increased risk of HIV acquisition among both men and women in the general population, suggesting that, in areas of high HSV-2 prevalence, a high proportion of HIV is attributable to HSV-2.

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Crossref · 10.1097/01.aids.0000198081.09337.a7

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  • Other STIs also might significantly increase the risk for HIV infection.

    “Importantly, other STIs also might significantly increase the risk for HIV infection (197–199).”

    From Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (2021) · cites this paper as [198]

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Authors
Freeman, E. E., Weiss, H. A., Glynn, J. R., Cross, P. L., Whitworth, J. A., & Hayes, R. J.
Affiliations
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (GB)
Corresponding author
Freeman, Esther E
ORCID
Venue
AIDS
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
2006-01-02
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
73-83
ISSN
0269-9370 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1097/01.aids.0000198081.09337.a7
OpenAlex
W2036479803
Cited by
1,192
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 28 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 42 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 41 · 2019: 52 · 2018: 51 · 2017: 72 · 2016: 67 · 2015: 88 · 2014: 75 · 2013: 73 · 2012: 84
FWCI
7.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • AIDS (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Microbiology › Reproductive tract infections research
Keywords
herpes simplex virus type 2, HIV acquisition, sex differences, men who have sex with men, HIV risk factors, HSV-2 incidence, sexual behavior
MeSH terms
Female, Herpes Genitalis, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Risk Factors, Sexual Behavior, Sex Factors, HIV Infections, Incidence, Prevalence

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