HSV-2/SIVmac239wt co-infected animals had significantly higher levels of IL-17, CXCL8 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in their rectal swab than the SIV-only animals, 7 days post-SIVmac239wt infection (Fig 4A; plasma not available), while no significant difference was found in plasma 2 weeks post-SIV infection (swabs not available). This evidence concerns the gene EGF and infection.