Anti-HSV type 1 Polyclonal antibody

Infection with human immunodefienciy virus (HIV) leads to immunosuppression and subsequent onset of AIDS. The management of HIV/AIDS takes into account co-morbidities due to viral, bacterial and protozoal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1/2 (HTLV1/2), herpes simplex virus types 1/2 (HSV1/2) and Toxoplasma gondii in a cross-sectional population of HIV infected individuals in rural Northeastern South Africa. Antibodies to HTLV1/2, HSV1/2 and T. gondii were assessed by commercial ELISA systems. Statistical differences with p-values less than 0.05 were taken as significant. One hundred and seventy individuals were tested for HTLV1/2, total IgG; while 160 were tested for HSV1/2 total IgG and T. gondii IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence of 24.0, 83.0 and 18.1% were observed for HTLV1/2, HSV1/2 and T. gondii respectively. For T. gondii, 82% of infections were found in females between the ages of 21 and 35 years and this observation was significant (p < 0.05). Generally, infection with either of the pathogens tested was more common in individuals in the age group of 21 - 35 years and this was significant irrespective of gender (p < 0.05). The results suggest a relatively high seroprevalence of HTLV1/2, HSV1/2 and T. gondii infections in the studied population. In addition, data on HSV1/2 and T. gondii seroprevalence among HIV infected individuals is presented for the first time from rural Northeastern South Africa.

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have been the mainstream treatment of hepatitis C because of tolerability and efficacy. A 67-year-old man presented with acute drowsiness preceded by headache after starting DAAs (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) for treatment of hepatitis C. Herpes zoster and herpes simplex stomatitis were noted. Later, HSV-1 encephalitis was diagnosed based on positive HSV1-PCR of CSF, while other tests were negative including HSV2-PCR, syphilis, culture of bacteria, tuberculosis and fungus. Further study showed the presence of concomitant Sjogren syndrome. The patient recovered well with the combination of intravenous acyclovir and steroid. Immune reconstitution inflammatory response (IRIS) may be the most important mechanism of this patient's severe illness. In conclusion, severe CNS infection instead of just peripheral nervous system involvement may occur due to herpes virus reactivation caused by DAAs. Screening of autoimmune markers may be considered before DAA therapy.