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The current trend in genital herpes. Progress in prevention
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98144.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Genital herpes (HSV-2) is increasing due to undetected carriers. New tests identify infected individuals, revealing high reactivation and subclinical shedding rates, highlighting the urgent need for an HSV vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Genital herpes (HSV-2) prevalence is rising, challenging public health efforts.
- Difficulty in identifying subclinical carriers contributes to ongoing HSV-2 transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of subclinical HSV-2 reactivation on transmission.
- To emphasize the need for improved diagnostics and an HSV vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recent serosurveys and clinical studies on HSV-2 infection.
- Analyzed data on serologic assay capabilities for distinguishing HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- Examined rates of symptomatic and subclinical viral shedding.
Main Results:
- New serologic assays can now identify HSV-2 infections.
- Nearly all HSV-2 seropositive individuals exhibit reactivation.
- Over 50% experience subclinical viral shedding in the genital tract.
Conclusions:
- Underestimation of HSV-2 reactivation and subclinical shedding fuels its spread.
- An effective HSV vaccine is crucial for controlling the escalating genital herpes epidemic.
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