Herpes and HIV
Herpes and HIV
Herpes and HIV
University of Washington, August 2011 -
Genital herpes increases the risk of HIV two to three times, new research suggests. The HSV-2 Virus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world.
Previous studies have shown that skin breaks from herpes infections on the genitalia had increased the risk of HIV, but recent research failed to signify that genital herpes treatment with acyclovir reduced the risk in anyway.
Now, the Cancer center in the University of Washington led the research with Jia Zhu, Ph.D and other associates. The hypothesis suggested that blisters and sore breaks within the skin from herpes infections were referenced with a longer duration of cell immune system response at the location. HIV cells are able to gain entry through cells located in the tiny breaks within the skin that occur during intercourse. Furthermore, HIV has a stronger affinity for accessing the specific immune cells that loiter on the skin even after the disappearance of genital herpes.
Studies showed that CD4+T cells which is considered the the primary entryway for HIV infection, is present at concentrations up to 40 times greater than normal. Additionally. the CD4 + T cells contained double the number of proteins used by HIV to penetrate the body, known as the CCR5 or (CXCR4). Furthermore, the vast presence of DC-SIGN, an HIV transporter into CD4+T cells were also active on the skin even after acyclovir treatment, which created an highly favorable environment for HIV infection. To combat and reduce the number of these potential HIV carrier cells, scientists used a combination of topical treatments to kill the cells, which included tea tree oil, aloe vera, salicylic acid, coconut oil and royal jelly, successfully ending the reproduction of HIV cells.
The last findings of correlation between genital herpes and high risk of HIV included the faster replication of the virus where genital herpes blisters had been healed. HIV replicated 5 times faster in tissue observed from healed herpes sites compared to tissue taken from the controlled tissue locations.
In an effort to reduce the risk of HIV for those with genital herpes, scientists have formulated a topical treatment to kill the remaining CD4+T cells that consisted of tea tree oil and aloe vera amongst other ingredients.
The researchers conclude that genital herpes of the HSV-2 variety provides a wider surface area and longer “lingering” time for HIV cells to target more cells which may lead to a higher chance of sparking the initial infections. Conclusively, the best way to reduce risk of HIV infection is to apply anti-bacterial herpes treatment directly onto the skin. Please visit our treatment recommendation center to see the best options for the skin.
