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Postgrad Med J 2008;84:299-306 doi:10.1136/sti.2006.020966
  • Review

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

  1. G Paz-Bailey1,
  2. M Ramaswamy2,
  3. S J Hawkes3,
  4. A M Geretti2
  1. 1
    Global AIDS Program for Central America National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  2. 2
    Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital and Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
  3. 3
    Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
  1. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, Global AIDS Program, NCHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Unit 3321, APO AA, Miami, FL 34024, USA; gpbz{at}cdc.gov
  • Accepted 1 June 2006

Abstract

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.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None declared.

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