Herpesviruses Reactivation and Systemic Inflammation Before and After Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy Among Women with HIV in Rakai, Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The association of mucosal shedding of human simplex virus (HSV)-2, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in women-living-with-HIV (WLWH) with systemic inflammation is unclear.

Methods

We recruited 187 ART-naive adult WLWH in south-central Uganda. HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in vaginal secretions and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in oral swabs were quantified by PCR. Plasma biomarkers of systemic inflammation were measured by ELISA or electrochemiluminescence before and after ART initiation (weeks 8, 12, and 24).

Results

Participants had a baseline median age of 28 years and CD4 count of 413 cells/μL. Viral shedding rates were similar

SUBMITTER: Ssempijja V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548371 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature