Herpes B virus DNA was specifically amplified by PCR, targeting the regions that did not cross-react with herpes simplex virus (HSV). The amplified products, which were shown to be highly genetic polymorphisms among herpes B virus isolates, were identified by microplate hybridization with probes generated by PCR. The products immobilized in microplate wells were hybridized with the biotin-label...

Herpes B-virus,cercopithecine herpesvirus 1;herpesvirus simian endemic in Asian macaques is related to herpes simplex(HSV) type 1 in humans; infection with herpes B-virus in humans can result in fatal encephalitis and neurologic impairment. Human infections have been by bites, scratches, and percutaneous inoculation. HerpesB-virus infection causes minimal morbidity in macaques. Inhumans herpes ...

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a perturbation of vaginal flora characterized by reduced levels of lactobacilli and concomitant overgrowth of anaerobic bacterial species. BV is highly prevalent and associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including enhanced human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Because recent reports reveal that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection may in...

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. We examined the association between BV and BV-associated bacteria and expression of HIV in the female genital tract. METHODS HIV RNA, lactobacilli, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Mycoplasma hominis in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples were quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gynecol...

BACKGROUND Prevalent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection increases human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. We hypothesized that HSV-2 infection might also predispose individuals to acquire other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHODS We studied the association between prevalent HSV-2 infection and STI incidence in a prospective, randomized trial of periodic STI the...

BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects African-Caribbean women in Canada but the frequency and distribution of sexually transmitted infections in this community have not been previously studied. METHODS We recruited women based on HIV status through a Toronto community health centre. Participants completed a socio-behavioural questionnaire using Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interview (ACAS...

The antigenic cross-reactive characteristics of herpes B virus and herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 are responsible for false-positive diagnoses by serological assays in humans and macaques. In the present study, we developed a fluorometric indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with recombinant herpes B virus glycoprotein D (gD) and HSV-1 and HSV-2 gG (gG-1 and g...

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been found to be associated with HIV acquisition and transmission. This is suggested to be due to higher HIV RNA levels in cervicovaginal fluids in women living with HIV (WLWH) with BV, as bacteria associated with BV may induce viral replication and shedding in the genital tract despite undetectable HIV RNA plasma viral load. We examined the prevalence an...

OBJECTIVES To determine prevalence of, and risk factors for, bacterial vaginosis (BV) among herpes simplex virus (HSV) 2 seropositive Tanzanian women at enrollment into a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of HSV suppressive treatment. METHODS 1305 HSV-2 seropositive women aged 16-35 years working in bars, guesthouses and similar facilities were interviewed, examined and tested for HIV, syp...