But she has another theory. The AIDS virus attacks immune system cells, and because herpes infections are permanent, they may keep those immune cells actively circulating in the body.
"If you have an ongoing immune reaction in your genital tract it is possible you have an ongoing risk of acquiring HIV," she said.
The AIDS virus infects an estimated 33 million people globally. It has killed 25 million and there is no cure and no vaccine. Condoms can protect people from the sexually transmitted disease and a cocktail of drugs can keep it under control.
