Novel variants of human herpesvirus 2 from Brazilian HIV-1 coinfected subjects

Abstract

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2) have DNA genome with a limited genetic variability and have been classified into two clades. OBJECTIVES To identify and characterise six HHV-2 isolates derived from Brazilian women. METHODS HHV-2 isolates were performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of 2250 pb of the glycoprotein B (gB) coding regions. FINDINGS Four HHV-2 isolates were classified into clade B, while the remaining two, derived from HIV-1 co-infected women, showed a notable genetic divergence (> 1%). MAIN CONCLUSION The results reveal novel HHV-2 variants. The impact of these novel variants on HHV-2 pathogenesis and HIV/HHV-2 coinfection need to be investigated.

Is the ZIKV Congenital Syndrome and Microcephaly Due to Syndemism with Latent Virus Coinfection?

“…HSV-2 reactivation, in turn, may predispose the FGT to HIV primo-infection by facilitating the inflammatory infiltration of CD4-positive T lymphocyte cells in the FGT [ 141 ]. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one investigation showed a high frequency of HHV-2/HIV coinfection in patients with recurrent and primary genital infections [ 149 , 151 ]. The consequences of HSV-2/HIV coinfection and with other viral STI infections are of particular concern in pregnancy.…”

“…In HSV-2-induced infection, TAM receptor expression may favor cell susceptibility to ZIKV (entry) as well as permissivity resulting from inflammation ( Figure 4 : Tropism benefit) [ 98 ]. Interestingly, Brazil’s northern region, which has a high number of ZIKV-related microcephaly cases, is also an area with strong seroprevalence for HSV-1 and HSV-2 ( Figure 4 : Epidemiology influence) [ 50 , 149 , 151 , 153 ].…”

“…Interestingly, a new variant of human HSV-2 from Brazilian HIV-1 coinfected subjects has been identified. Its impacts on the pathogenicity of HSV-2 infection and HIV/HSV-2 coinfection need further investigations [ 151 ]. This fact shows the continued evolution of the HSV-2 biological system associated with the coinfection context.…”