Immunological markers of frequently recurrent genital herpes simplex virusand their response to hypnotherapy: a pilot study

Patients were recruited for hypnotherapy from a clinic for patients with fr equently recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (rgHSV). Psychological and immunological parameters were measured 6 weeks prior to hypnotherapy and 6 weeks afterwards, during which time each patient kept a diary of symptoms o f rgHSV. Following hypnotherapy there was a significant overall reduction i n the number of reported episodes of rgHSV, accompanied by an increase in t he numbers of CD3 and CD8 lymphocytes, which may represent a non specific e ffect of hypnosis. The improvers showed significant rises in natural killer (NK) cell counts, HSV specific lymphokine activated killer (LAK) activity, and reduced levels of anxiety when compared to non-improvers. NK cell numb ers and HSV specific LAK activity may therefore be important in the reducti on in rgHSV following hypnotherapy.