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Recent advances in genital herpes
1Academic Unit of Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) often spreads through asymptomatic shedding. Long-term acyclovir suppression effectively reduces symptoms, viral shedding, and transmission, while also easing psychological distress.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Transmission frequently occurs via asymptomatic viral shedding from infected individuals.
- Accurate HSV-2 prevalence data is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of HSV-2 infection.
- To discuss the management and treatment of genital herpes.
- To explore the psychological impact of recurrent genital herpes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of serological assays for HSV-2 detection.
- Analysis of prevalence data across different populations.
- Evaluation of antiviral therapies including acyclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir.
Main Results:
- HSV-2 prevalence varies significantly across populations, with high rates in female prostitutes.
- A majority of individuals exposed to HSV-2 remain asymptomatic.
- Long-term acyclovir suppression reduces clinical symptoms, viral shedding, and psychological morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Acyclovir is the primary treatment for genital herpes and suppression therapy.
- Valaciclovir and famciclovir show promise as alternative treatments.
- Understanding HSV-2 transmission and psychological impact is key to patient care.