DETECTION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS-DNA IN SPONTANEOUS-ABORTIONS FROM HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN USING NONISOTOPIC IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Herpes si mplex virus (HSV) endometritis in spontaneous abortions in HIV-positiv e women using non-isotopic in situ hybridization (NISH). Post-abortal endometrial curettings from 18 HIV-positive women were investigated fo r the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-1 DNA with NISH. In addition, 18 unsel ected post-abortal endometrial curettings in HIV-negative women were u sed as controls, together with samples of normal proliferative and sec retory endometrium. Thirteen of the 18 specimens (72 per cent) from th e HIV-positive study group demonstrated the presence of HSV DNA, while 2 of the 18 HIV-negative group (11 per cent) showed a positive signal . Although the prevalence of HSV endometritis in the HIV-positive grou p was significantly higher than in the HIV-negative group (P<0 . 05), a causal role for the virus in inducing the abortion remains to be det ermined. In addition, the significance of HSV endometritis with regard to the clinical management of HIV-positive patients is as yet uncerta in.