Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in spontaneous abortions from HIV-positive women using non-isotopic in situ hybridization.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) endometritis in spontaneous abortions in HIV-positive women using non-isotopic in situ hybridization (NISH). Post-abortal endometrial curettings from 18 HIV-positive women were investigated for the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA with NISH. In addition, 18 unselected post-abortal endometrial curettings in HIV-negative women were used as controls, together with samples of normal proliferative and secretory endometrium. Thirteen of the 18 specimens (72 per cent) from the 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 group 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 determined. In addition, the significance of HSV endometritis with regard to the clinical management of HIV-positive patients is as yet uncertain.