Herpes simplex virus type 2: epidemiology and management options in developing countries

Genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is highly prevalent worldwide and an increasingly important cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD). Continued HSV2 transmission is facilitated by the large number of undiagnosed cases, the frequency of atypical disease and the occurrence of asymptomatic shedd...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPostgraduate medical journal Vol. 84; no. 992; p. 299
Main Authors Paz-Bailey, G, Ramaswamy, M, Hawkes, S J, Geretti, A M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.06.2008
Subjects
Acyclovir - therapeutic use
Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use
Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Condoms - utilization
Developing Countries
Herpes Genitalis - complications
Herpes Genitalis - epidemiology
Herpes Genitalis - therapy
Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines
Herpesvirus 2, Human
HIV Infections - complications
Humans
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Summary:Genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is highly prevalent worldwide and an increasingly important cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD). Continued HSV2 transmission is facilitated by the large number of undiagnosed cases, the frequency of atypical disease and the occurrence of asymptomatic shedding. The lack of easy, affordable diagnostic methods and specific antiviral treatment in countries with low and middle income is of great concern, given the ability of GUD to enhance HIV transmission and acquisition. With rising HSV2 prevalence contributing to an increase in the proportion of GUD attributed to genital herpes in high-HIV prevalence settings, a safe and effective HSV vaccine is urgently needed. Meanwhile, multifaceted interventions are required to improve recognition of genital herpes, to prevent its spread and also to prevent its potential to promote HIV transmission in developing countries.
ISSN:1469-0756
DOI:10.1136/sti.2006.020966