Population-level effect of potential HSV2 prophylactic vaccines on HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV2) infection increases HIV transmission. We explore the impact of a potential prophylactic HSV2 vaccination on HIV incidence in Africa using STDSIM, an individual-based mathematical model. A campaign that achieved 70% coverage over 5 years with a vaccine that reduced susceptibility to HSV2 acquisition and HSV2 reactivation by 75% for 10 years, reduced HIV incidence by 30–40% after 20 years (range 4–66%). Over 20 years, in most scenarios fewer than 100 vaccinations were required to avert one HIV infection. HSV2 vaccines could have a substantial impact on HIV incidence. Intensified efforts are needed to develop an effective HSV2 vaccine.
Citation
Vaccine (2009) Volume 27, Issue 6, pp. 940-946 [doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.11.074]