Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a herpes infection of the genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).[1] Most people either have no or mild symptoms and thus do not know they are infected.[1] When symptoms do occur, they typically include small blisters that break open to form painful ulcers.[1] Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, aching, or swollen lymph nodes, may also occur.[2] Onset is typically around 4 days after exposure with symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks.[1] Once infected further outbreaks may occur but are generally milder.[1]
Genital herpes
Anogenital herpesviral infection, herpes genitalis
None, small blisters that break open to form painful ulcers, flu-like symptoms[1][2]
Aseptic meningitis, increased risk of HIV/AIDS if exposed, neonatal herpes[1]
2–12 days after exposure[1]
Up to 4 weeks (first outbreak)[1]
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2)[1]
Testing lesions, blood tests for antigen[1]
846 million (2015)[4]
The disease is typically spread by direct genital contact with the skin surface or secretions of someone who is infected.[1] This may occur during sex, including anal, oral, and manual sex.[1][5] Sores are not required for transmission to occur.[1] The risk of spread between a couple is about 7.5% over a year.[6] HSV is classified into two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2.[1] While historically HSV-2 was more common, genital HSV-1 has become more common in the developed world.[1][7] Diagnosis may occur by testing lesions using either PCR or viral culture or blood tests for specific antibodies.[1]
Efforts to prevent infection include not having sex, using condoms, and only having sex with someone who is not infected.[2] Once infected, there is no cure.[2] Antiviral medications may, however, prevent outbreaks or shorten outbreaks if they occur.[1] The long-term use of antivirals may also decrease the risk of further spread.[1]
In 2015, about 846 million people (12% of the world population) had genital herpes.[4] In the United States, more than one in six people between the ages of 14 and 49 have the disease.[8] Women are more commonly infected than men.[1] Rates of disease caused by HSV-2 have decreased in the United States between 1990 and 2010.[1] Complications may rarely include aseptic meningitis, an increased risk of HIV/AIDS if exposed to HIV-positive individuals, and spread to the baby during childbirth resulting in neonatal herpes.[1]
Transmission
Genital herpes can be spread by viral shedding prior to and following the formation of ulcers. The risk of spread between a couple is about 7.5% over a year (for unprotected sex).[6] The likelihood of transferring genital herpes from one person to another is decreased by external condom use by 50%, by internal condom by 50%, and refraining from sex during an active outbreak.[6] The longer a partner has had the infection, the lower the transmission rate.[6] An infected person may further decrease transmission risks by maintaining a daily dose of antiviral medications.[6] Infection by genital herpes occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 sexual acts.[6]
Prevention
Because herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is common and not routinely screened for in the general population, complete prevention of the transmission of genital herpes is difficult. To reduce the chance of contracting herpes simplex virus, external condoms for the penis may be used during oral sex, vaginal sex, and anal sex.[15] Internal condoms for the vagina may be used during oral sex or vaginal sex.[15] Internal condoms and external condoms should not be used simultaneously.[15] Dental dams may be used during oral sex involving the vagina or anus.[15] Decreasing the number of sexual partners a person has may also decrease the chance of contracting HSV.[16] People who have sexual relations with others may get tested for HSV. In people who have been diagnosed with genital herpes, transmission to others may be prevented through suppressive antiviral drugs.[17] This option is 90% effective in preventing the transmission of HSV and is a commonly used option for sexual and/or romantic partners or those who plan on becoming pregnant.[17] Those who are aware that they have genital herpes should notify their partner(s).[17]
Screening and diagnosis
Genital herpes may be diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor or through a herpes simplex virus (HSV) test by sampling fluid within a genital blister or blood for HSV antibodies.[17] Herpes simplex virus testing is recommended for those who have symptoms of herpes or who have a sexual partner who has a herpes infection.[8] There is currently no recommendation for asymptomatic screening for genital herpes.[8]
False negative test results may occur if the test is performed late in the course of the illness or if the test sample is not appropriately acquired.[17] Testing people for HSV when they are asymptomatic is not recommended due to the high false-positivity rate.[18] A false positive test may cause relationship difficulties.[18]
Genital herpes and pregnancy
Women who have genital herpes before pregnancy have a very low risk of transmitting herpes simplex virus to the baby during delivery. In the United States, 20-25% of pregnant women have genital herpes; however, fewer than 0.1% of babies born get neonatal herpes during delivery.[19]
Per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, routine screening for pregnant women without a history of genital herpes is not recommended. Serologic (blood) antibody testing in asymptomatic patients without history has been shown to frequently have false positive and false negative test results which may lead to anxiety, labeling, or false reassurance with minimal improvements in health outcomes of reducing neonatal herpes transmission.
Pregnant women should notify their doctor if they show symptoms of genital herpes. At the time of delivery, women should be physically examined for signs of genital herpes.[19] If a pregnant woman is symptomatic during delivery, a Cesarean section is the safest method of preventing contact and transmission of herpes simplex virus between the mother and the baby.[19] Alternatively, some physicians use the drug acyclovir to treat pregnant women with genital herpes at 36 weeks until delivery to prevent the recurrence of symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission during delivery.[19] Acyclovir is not approved for this purpose by the FDA; however, acyclovir's manufacturer has tracked pregnant women who have taken the drug during pregnancy, and there is no evidence that shows any risks for the infant.[19]
Acyclovir may help reduce the frequency of symptomatic recurrence near term but may not definitively protect against transmission in all cases. This may be favorable particularly for women who prefer to have a vaginal delivery instead of cesarean section.
Epidemiology
About 16 percent of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.[26] More than 85% of those with HSV-2 are unaware of their infection.[27] Approximately 776,000 people in the United States get new herpes infections every year.[27]
Tests for herpes are not routinely included among STI screenings. Performers in the pornography industry are screened for HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea with an optional panel of tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, but not herpes. Testing for herpes is controversial since the results are not always accurate or helpful.[28] Most sex workers and performers will contract herpes at some point in their careers whether they use protection or not.[29]
History
Early 20th century public health legislation in the United Kingdom required compulsory treatment for sexually transmitted infections but did not include herpes because it was not serious enough.[30] As late as 1975, nursing textbooks did not include herpes as it was considered no worse than a common cold.[30] After the development of acyclovir in the 1970s, the drug company Burroughs Wellcome launched an extensive marketing campaign that publicized the illness, including creating victim's support groups.[30]