Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Suppression With Valacyclovir Is Not Associated With Changes in Nugent Score or Absolute Abundance of Key Vaginal Bacteria

ABSTRACT: Abstract

Background

In women, genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is associated with increased risk for recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV), but causal relationships are unclear.

Methods

Women with a self-reported history of BV and HSV-2 seropositivity self-collected vaginal and anogenital swabs for 2 nonconsecutive 28-day periods, in the absence or presence of valacyclovir suppressive therapy (500 mg daily). HSV polymerase chain reaction was performed on anogenital swabs; vaginal swabs were used for assessment of BV by Nugent score and quantification of vaginal microbiota. Days with BV, defined by Nugent score ≥7, were compared during the observational period and valacyclovir treatment.

Results

Forty-one women collected swabs for a median of 28 

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10026542 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature