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Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes Infection: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo1, David C Grossman2
1University of California, San Francisco.
JAMA
|December 21, 2016
Summary
Routine screening for genital herpes (HSV) in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended. The US Preventive Services Task Force found that the harms of screening outweigh the benefits for adolescents and adults, including pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), is a common sexually transmitted infection in the US.
- While antiviral medications can manage outbreaks, they do not cure HSV infection.
- Neonatal herpes poses significant risks, though it is uncommon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated recommendation on screening for genital herpes.
- To evaluate the evidence on screening accuracy, benefits, and harms for asymptomatic individuals, including pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of evidence on serologic screening for HSV-2 in asymptomatic populations.
- Assessment of preventive medications and behavioral counseling for reducing episodes and transmission.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates that the harms of serologic screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic individuals outweigh the benefits.
- This conclusion is based on the natural history of HSV, its epidemiology, and screening test accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic adolescents and adults.
- This includes asymptomatic pregnant individuals, who are assigned a 'D' recommendation.
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