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Biomedical subjects

L Corey

Publications and source records attributed to L Corey.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of cidofovir gel for the treatment of acyclovir-unresponsive mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infection in patients with AIDS.

The safety and efficacy of cidofovir gel for treatment of acyclovir-unresponsive herpes simplex virus infections in AIDS patients was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial. Cidofovir (0.3% or 1%) or placebo gel was applied once daily for 5 days. Ten of 20 cidofovir-treated and none of 10 placebo-treated patients had complete healing or >50% decreased area (P = .008); 30% of cidofovir-treated patients versus 0 placebo recipients had complete healing (P = .031). Viral shedding ceased in 13 (87%) of 15 cidofovir-treated and 0 of 9 placebo-treated patients (P = .00004). For cidofovir-treated patients, median time to complete or good response was 21 days, and median time to negative viral culture was 2 days (P = .025, P = .0001, respectively). Median lesion area decreases were 58% for cidofovir-treated versus 0 for placebo-treated patients (P = .005), and mean pain score changes were -1.84 versus -0.34 (P = .042). Application site reactions occurred in 25% of cidofovir-treated and 20% of placebo-treated patients; none was dose-limiting. Cidofovir therapy provided significant benefits in lesion healing, virologic effect, and pain reduction.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Absence of detectable human herpesvirus 8 in the semen of human immunodeficiency virus-infected men without Kaposi's sarcoma.

The prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus was investigated in the semen of 99 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men (median CD4 cell count, 357/mm3) by use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay capable of detecting <10 copies of HHV-8 DNA. Of the subjects, 95 (96%) self-identified as men who have sex with men (MSM), and 3 had a history of clinical KS. Seminal cell specimens were negative for HHV-8 in 98 subjects. None of the 26 without KS (27.1% of 96 tested) who were seropositive for HHV-8 by IFA for latency-associated nuclear antigens had HHV-8 detected in their semen. The only subject with any evidence for seminal HHV-8 DNA was seropositive for HHV-8 and had active KS. HHV-8 was detected in 10 (10.4%) of 96 peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens. The prevalence of HHV-8 DNA by PCR in semen of HIV-infected MSM without KS is low.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Longitudinal analysis of quantitative virologic measures in human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects with > or = 400 CD4 lymphocytes: implications for applying measurements to individual patients. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases AIDS Vaccine Evaluation Group.

The natural variability of quantitative virologic measures among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected persons was prospectively studied in 29 untreated persons with >600 CD4 cells/microL and in 15 persons receiving zidovudine monotherapy who had 400-550 CD4 cells/microL at study entry. Cell- and plasma-associated infectious HIV-1, provirus, and virion RNA were determined monthly as were numbers of CD4 and CD8 cells. HIV-1 replication varied widely among subjects with similar CD4 cell counts. The within-individual variability was significantly less than the variability between subjects for all virologic measures. Plasma virion HIV-1 RNA levels had the least variability. A mathematical model was devised to assess whether a potential therapeutic intervention significantly alters peripheral HIV-1 load. The model indicated that three measurements of plasma RNA would be outside the 95th percentile for the expected change in an individual due to natural variability. This approach can be used to accurately assess a therapeutic intervention among persons with low plasma HIV-1 titers.

Adult↗

Genital herpes in a primary care clinic. Demographic and sexual correlates of herpes simplex type 2 infections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The sexual behavioral correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in the general population have not been well characterized. GOALS: To assess demographic and sexual behavioral correlates of symptomatic and subclinical HSV-2 infection. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 922 randomly chosen patients and 78 of their partners (1,000 total) in a family practice. Sexual behavior information was collected in 492 people. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five (23%) heterosexual people had HSV-2 infection, but only 59 (26%) reported a history of genital herpes. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 63% in African-American women, 27% in white women, 40% in African-American men, and 12% in white men. In multivariate analyses of risk factors for HSV-2 infection among men, 10 or more sexual partners and a prior STD were statistically significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. Among white women, number of sexual partners, a prior STD, marriage or cohabitation, and less than a college education were predictive of HSV-2 infection. A history of oral sex was the only statistically significant predictor of HSV-2 infection in African-American women. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for HSV-2 infection differ by gender and ethnic group. Traditionally recognized behavioral correlates of STD acquisition may not identify people in communities with high prevalence of HSV-2 infection.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of a quantitative competitive PCR assay for measuring herpes simplex virus DNA content in genital tract secretions.

Previous studies have shown an association between the approximate titer of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in clinical specimens and the ability to isolate HSV from genital secretions. To control for variance in amplification conditions, we developed a competitive quantitative PCR (QC PCR) for the detection of HSV DNA. The assay accurately measured from 10 to 10(6) copies of HSV DNA. We compared the QC PCR with our previous semiquantitative detection method and found concordance for 61 of 63 positive specimens. We also evaluated the HSV DNA content from individual swabs of genital secretions obtained from individual sites of the genital tract (cervix, vulva, and rectum) with that from one swab with secretions from all three sites. The concordance for detecting HSV DNA was 91%; for only 4 of 143 collection days was there a > 1 log difference between the two collection methods. A single swab with secretions from all three genital sites and evaluated in a QC PCR format can accurately measure the frequency of subclinical and clinical shedding of HSV and the titer of HSV shed from the genital region. Such an approach should be very useful in the evaluation of antiviral chemotherapy for HSV.

Base Sequence↗

Divergent patterns of progression to AIDS after infection from the same source: human immunodeficiency virus type 1 evolution and antiviral responses.

The rate of progression to AIDS in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals is determined by a complex series of interactions between the host and virus. Here we evaluate virologic properties and host responses in two men near-simultaneously infected with HIV-1 from the same sexual partner--one individual progressed to AIDS in less than 2 years, and the other remains asymptomatic 3 years postinfection. Distinct neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses were evident, with the slower progressor exhibiting generally stronger and broader responses, except for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses early in infection. Virtually identical, homogeneous virus populations were found in both patients in the first sample obtained; however, a second unrelated HIV-1 virus population was also found in the fast progressor. Whether the second population emanated from an additional source of infection or the two were transmitted from the original source could not be determined. The virus population in the slower progressor turned over and diversified rapidly, whereas both virus populations in the rapid progressor evolved at a much slower rate. In addition, the character of mutational changes underlying these diversities appeared to be distinct, with a bias for diversifying selection developing in the slower progressor and a reciprocal bias towards purifying selection maintained in both populations in the fast progressor. Thus, the rapid evolution that is a hallmark of HIV replication may be a reflection of strong host resistance against emerging virus variants and a longer period of asymptomatic infection. Furthermore, rapid progression was not linked to a collapse of any appreciable immune response following attainment of some threshold of antigenic diversity but rather to a failure to drive this diversification and a condition of relatively unimpeded expansion of variants with optimized replicative capacity within the host.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Transmissible Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8) in saliva of men with a history of Kaposi's sarcoma.

We have evaluated the physical state and infectious nature of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in the saliva of nine persons with past or current Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). KSHV DNA in saliva had the physical characteristics of DNA present in virions. Inoculation of 293 cells with cell-free saliva fluid resulted in the persistence of KSHV DNA in culture for at least 13 passages of the cells. The addition of tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate to KSHV-infected 293 cells led to increased viral DNA. Two virus-specific RNAs were detected by reverse transcriptase PCR in 293 cells infected with cell-free saliva fluid and in cells present in saliva from subjects with KSHV salivary shedding. These results indicate that infectious KSHV can be present in saliva of patients with KS.

Cell Line, Transformed↗

Clinical and epidemiologic features of primary HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: The acute clinical events surrounding the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE: To further define the clinical and epidemiologic presentation of primary HIV infection. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study. SETTING: University research clinic. PATIENTS: 46 adults (43 men and 3 women) with primary HIV infection who enrolled in the study a median of 51 days after HIV seroconversion. MEASUREMENTS: Documentation of recent HIV seroconversion. Standardized collection of demographic characteristics and sexual contact history, results of tests for HIV RNA, HIV culture, and T-cell subsets. RESULTS: 41 of 46 patients (89%) developed an acute retroviral syndrome. Primary HIV infection was infrequently diagnosed at the initial medical encounter, even in persons enrolled in routine HIV screening programs. Median numbers of sexual partners 6 months and 1 month before acquisition of HIV were three and one, respectively; 21 patients (46%) reported having had only one partner in the month before seroconversion. Of the 12 patients who could identify the precise date of and activity leading to seroconversion, 4 reported having only oral-genital contact. CONCLUSIONS: Primary HIV infection causes a recognizable clinical syndrome that is often underdiagnosed, even in persons enrolled in a program of routine surveillance for HIV infection. Frequency of sexual contact and overall numbers of sexual partners in this group of homosexual men who acquired HIV were markedly lower than those seen a decade ago. Acquisition of HIV does occur, even in persons with relatively few sexual partners. Increased attention to oral-genital contact as a means of acquiring HIV appears to be warranted.

Adult↗

Safety and immunogenicity of Env 2-3, a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 candidate vaccine, in combination with a novel adjuvant, MTP-PE/MF59. NIAID AIDS Vaccine Evaluation Group.

We investigated the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate HIV-1 vaccine, Env 2-3 (Chiron Biocine Co.), in combination with an adjuvant emulsion, MF59, with or without an additional immune modulator, MTP-PE 78 healthy HIV-1-seronegative adults. Sixteen subjects participated in a dose escalation study of MTP-PE in MF59 without Env 2-3, given at 0 and 1 months; 48 subjects participated in a study of a fixed dose of 30 micrograms of Env 2-3 in MF59 with increasing doses of MTP-PE (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 micrograms), and 14 subjects participated in a study of 100 micrograms of Env 2-3 in MF59 without MTP-PE. Subjects were assigned to study groups under a randomized, double-blind allocation. Subjects received immunization at 0, 1, and 6 months, and had the option of receiving a fourth dose at 12-18 months. Env 2-3 in MTP-PE/MF59 was associated with significant reactogenicity, in that severe, although self-limited systemic and/or local reactions occurred in 15 of 30 vaccinees. In contrast, Env 2-3 in MF59 without MTP-PE was relatively well tolerated, and severe local and/or systemic reactions occurred in only 2 of 18 subjects. Env 2-3 stimulated serum antibodies to HIV-1 envelope protein (gp120) as detected by Western blot in 39 of 43 subjects and to HIV-1 virus lysate by EIA in 28 of 43 subjects after three injections. The majority of subjects also developed EIA antibodies to recombinant gp120 (SF-2), gp120 (LAI), and V3 peptide (SF-2). Neutralizing antibodies to the homologous SF-2 strain developed in 30 of 43 and 27 of 34 subjects, and fusion inhibition antibodies in 25 of 43 and 15 of 36 subjects after three and four injections, respectively. Lymphoproliferative responses to the immunogen, Env 2-3 were observed in over 80% of the vaccinees examined, and CD4+ cytotoxic T cell activity directed against HIV-1 was noted transiently in 2 of 20 vaccinees. Addition of MTP-PE to Env 2-3 or increasing the dose of Env 2-3 from 30 to 100 micrograms did not augment immunogenicity. Env 2-3 in MF59 was well tolerated and immunogenic in HIV-1-seronegative individuals. The addition of MTP-PE significantly increased reactogenicity, but had little, if any, effect on immunogenicity.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection despite prior immunization with a recombinant envelope vaccine regimen.

With efforts underway to develop a preventive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine, it remains unclear which immune responses are sufficient to protect against infection and whether prior HIV-1 immunity can alter the subsequent course of HIV-1 infection. We investigated these issues in the context of a volunteer who received six HIV-1LAI envelope immunizations and 10 weeks thereafter acquired HIV-1 infection through a high-risk sexual exposure. In contrast to nonvaccinated acutely infected individuals, anamnestic HIV-1-specific B- and T-cell responses appeared within 3 weeks in this individual, and neutralizing antibody preceded CD8+ cytotoxic responses. Despite an asymptomatic course and an initial low level of detectable infectious virus, a progressive CD4+ cell decline and dysfunction occurred within 2 years. Although vaccination elicited immunity to HIV-1 envelope, which was recalled upon HIV-1 exposure, it was insufficient to prevent infection and subsequent immunodeficiency.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection with saquinavir, zidovudine, and zalcitabine. AIDS Clinical Trials Group.

BACKGROUND: In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, combined treatment with several agents may increase the effectiveness of antiviral therapy. We studied the safety and efficacy of saquinavir, an HIV-protease inhibitor, given with one or two nucleoside antiretroviral agents, as compared with the safety and efficacy of a combination of two nucleosides alone. METHODS: In this double-blind trial, patients with HIV infection were randomly assigned to receive either saquinavir (1800 mg per day) plus both zidovudine (600 mg per day) and zalcitabine (2.25 mg per day) or zidovudine plus either saquinavir or zalcitabine. The 302 patients enrolled had CD4+ counts of 50 to 300 cells per cubic millimeter and had previously received zidovudine for a median of 27 months. The study lasted 24 weeks, with an optional double-blind extension period of an additional 12 to 32 weeks. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of the patients completed the 24-week study. In all three treatment groups, CD4+ cell counts rose at first and then fell gradually. The normalized area under the curve for the CD4+ count was greater with the three-drug combination than with either saquinavir and zidovudine (P=0.017) or zalcitabine and zidovudine (P<0.001). There were significantly greater reductions in plasma HIV with the three-drug combination than with the other regimens when peripheral-blood mononuclear cells were cultured for HIV and HIV RNA was assessed, and there were greater decreases in serum neopterin and beta2-microglobulin levels. There were no major differences in toxic effects among the three treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with saquinavir, zalcitabine, and zidovudine was well tolerated. This drug combination reduced HIV-1 replication, increased CD4+ cell counts, and decreased levels of activation markers in serum more than did treatment with zidovudine and either saquinavir or zalcitabine. Studies are warranted to evaluate whether the three-drug combination will reduce morbidity and mortality.

Adult↗

Suppression of subclinical shedding of herpes simplex virus type 2 with acyclovir.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the antiviral drug acyclovir on the frequency of subclinical shedding of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the genital tract. DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. SETTING: A university-based virology research clinic. PATIENTS: 34 women with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibody only and genital herpes of less than 2 years' duration. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either acyclovir, 400 mg twice daily for 70 days, followed by a 14-day washout period, and then placebo for 70 days, or the study medications in the reverse order. MEASUREMENTS: Women collected daily genital swabs of the vulvar, cervicovaginal, and perianal areas for HSV culture, maintained a diary of genital lesions, and were examined at the time of recurrences. RESULTS: In an intent-to-treat analysis of the initial treatment period, 15 of the 17 women who received placebo and 3 of the 17 women who received acyclovir had at least 1 day of subclinical shedding (P < 0.001). Among the participants who received placebo, subclinical shedding occurred on 64 of 928 (6.9%) days compared with 3 of 1057 (0.3%) days among the participants who received acyclovir (P < 0.001). The relative risk for subclinical shedding was 0.09 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.35) for the women who received acyclovir compared with the women who received placebo. In a paired analysis of 26 women who completed both arms of the study, acyclovir therapy was associated with a decrease in the frequency of subclinical shedding; subclinical shedding occurred on 83 of 1439 (5.8%) days with placebo, and on 6 of 1611 (0.37%) days with acyclovir (P < 0.001)--a 94% reduction. The frequency of subclinical shedding was reduced at all anatomic sites and in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Daily therapy with oral acyclovir suppresses subclinical shedding of HSV-2 in the genital tract, suggesting that studies to evaluate the use of acyclovir in preventing HSV-2 transmission are warranted.

Acyclovir↗