[Genital herpes: epidemiology, transmission, clinic, asymptomatic viral excretion, impact on other sexually transmitted diseases, prevention, and treatment]

Author(s): Bossi P

Affiliation(s): Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, 47-83, bd de l'Hopital, 75651 Paris Cedex 13 Paris. France.

Publication date & source: 2002-04, Ann Dermatol Venereol., 129(4 Pt 2):477-93.

Publication type: Consensus Development Conference; Review

Genital herpes is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases in the world. HSV2 predominates (60-80 p. 100), but the prevalence of HSV1 genital herpes is rising (20-40 p. 100). Erosive lesions of the genital organs due to HSV infection are a factor favoring HIV contamination and other sexually transmitted diseases. The main factor of transmission is asymptomatic viral excretion. Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir are effective treatment for genital herpes (primary infection, curative and preventive treatment of recurrence), but none of these compounds alters the natural history of the infection. Aciclovir given as a preventive measure reduces the load of asymptomatic viral excretion. Information and education of patients with genital herpes are key elements for prevention. Use of preservatives appears to be effective. New vaccine strategies favoring humoral and cellular response should be studied.