GLOBAL HEALTH: A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments - August 31st, 2007

LSHTM Audio News Review - August 31st, 2007 A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments. Herpes Simplex Therapy Reduces HIV Activity in Co-Infected Patients It is possible to reduce HIV activity in patients who are co-infected with HIV and herpes simplex type 2. Philippe Mayaud tells us about the study which showed reduced HIV concentration in the blood and vagina when co-infected patients underwent continuous treatment with anti-herpes agent valacyclovir. Entecavir Helps Combat HIV but Also Selects Antiretroviral Resistant Mutation Entecavir, used to treat HBV can lower levels of HIV in co-infected patients. In spite of entecavirs success, Chloe Thio reveals that the drug selects a mutation that makes HIV resistant to entecavir as well as antiretroviral drugs, and calls for a revision of guidelines that recommend its use for co-infected patients as. Breastfeeding Reduces Transmission Rates From Mothers with HIV While early cessation of breastfeeding reduces HIV transmission to the baby, studies show it increase morbidity and mortality in infants. Hoosen Coovadia found that exclusive breastfeeding (as opposed to 'mixed' breastfeeding with formula or supplements) for the first six months of life reduces transmission rates.