Sexually transmitted infection syndemic interactions: Biological amplification between HIV, HSV-2, syphilis, and HPV and implications for co-treatment strategies
Science Progress, cilt.109, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 109 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/00368504261492492
- Dergi Adı: Science Progress
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, EMBASE, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), HIV, HIV–STI integrated care, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Mucosal immunology, Sexually transmitted infections, Syndemics, Syphilis
- Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV frequently coexist and may interact through shared biological, immunological, and epidemiological pathways. This narrative review examines the biological interactions between HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), with particular emphasis on mucosal disruption, immune activation, and implications for integrated prevention and care. Evidence indicates that HSV-2-associated genital ulceration and recruitment of HIV-susceptible immune cells may increase HIV acquisition risk, while syphilis-associated systemic immune activation can transiently affect HIV viral load and CD4 cell counts. Persistent HPV infection may also promote inflammatory mucosal environments relevant to HIV susceptibility and HPV-associated disease in people living with HIV. However, evidence from intervention studies demonstrates that biological associations do not necessarily translate into effective HIV prevention through treatment of individual co-infections. Collectively, the evidence supports greater integration of STI screening, treatment, HPV vaccination, cancer screening, and HIV prevention and care, while highlighting important gaps in evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of syndemic-informed integrated interventions.