Impact of short term HAART on SIV infection of the male genital tract
Résumé
Background: We previously showed that several male genital organs are infected by HIV/SIV and thus likely to fuel semen with infectious viral particles and infected cells (Le Tortorec et al, Plos One, 2008; Le Tortorec et al, Retrovirology, 2008; Roulet et al, Am J Pathol, 2006). To investigate whether HIV shedding in the semen of HIV+ men under effective HAART could result from residual production within the male genital tract (MGT), we analyzed the infection of MGT organs of SIV+ macaques following short term HAART. Methods: Cynomolgus macaques were treated with AZT/3TC/IDV for 2-4 weeks at 21 weeks post-intravenous inoculation of SIVMAC251. SIV DNA and RNA as well as replicating virions were searched in the MGT organs by nested PCR for SIV gag DNA, tat-rev RNA and in situ hybridization for gag RNA. Results: The average frequency of SIV DNA detection in the testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles from the five treated animals was similar to that of placebo animals. In two animals in which HAART induced undetectable viremia, viral DNA detection was decreased in all MGT organs apart from the testis. However SIV gag RNA+ cells persisted in all tissues and multiply spliced SIV RNA encoding tat/rev was observed. Conclusions: When undetectable viremia is achieved, short term HAART reduces SIV infection of all MGT organs apart from testis. However, low level of viral replication is still evidenced in all organs. Whether prolonged HAART can eradicate SIV from the MGT is under investigation.