Characteristics of HIV-1 discordant couples enrolled in a trial of HSV-2 suppression to reduce HIV-1 transmission: the partners study

PLoS One. 2009;4(4):e5272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005272. Epub 2009 Apr 30.

Abstract

Background: The Partners HSV-2/HIV-1 Transmission Study (Partners Study) is a phase III, placebo-controlled trial of daily acyclovir for genital herpes (HSV-2) suppression among HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected persons to reduce HIV-1 transmission to their HIV-1 susceptible partners, which requires recruitment of HIV-1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples. We describe the baseline characteristics of this cohort.

Methods: HIV-1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples, in which the HIV-1 infected partner was HSV-2 seropositive, had a CD4 count >or=250 cells/mcL and was not on antiretroviral therapy, were enrolled at 14 sites in East and Southern Africa. Demographic, behavioral, clinical and laboratory characteristics were assessed.

Results: Of the 3408 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples enrolled, 67% of the HIV-1 infected partners were women. Couples had cohabitated for a median of 5 years (range 2-9) with 28% reporting unprotected sex in the month prior to enrollment. Among HIV-1 susceptible participants, 86% of women and 59% of men were HSV-2 seropositive. Other laboratory-diagnosed sexually transmitted infections were uncommon (<5%), except for Trichomonas vaginalis in 14% of HIV-1 infected women. Median baseline CD4 count for HIV-1 infected participants was 462cells/mcL and median HIV-1 plasma RNA was 4.2 log(10) copies/mL. After adjusting for age and African region, correlates of HIV-1 RNA level included male gender (+0.24 log(10) copies/mL; p<0.001) and CD4 count (-0.25 and -0.55 log(10) copies/mL for CD4 350-499 and >500 relative to <350, respectively, p<0.001).

Conclusions: The Partners Study successfully enrolled a cohort of 3408 heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Africa at high risk for HIV-1 transmission. Follow-up of this cohort will evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir for HSV-2 suppression in preventing HIV-1 transmission and provide insights into biological and behavioral factors determining heterosexual HIV-1 transmission.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00194519.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Adult
  • Africa
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV-1* / genetics
  • Herpes Genitalis / drug therapy*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human*
  • Heterosexuality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral
  • Acyclovir

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00194519