Opryszczka narządów płciowych
Epidemiologia
Opryszczka narządów płciowych jest globalnym problemem zdrowia publicznego, z około 846 milionami osób w wieku 15-49 lat zakażonych HSV, z czego 520 milionów dotyczy HSV-2, głównej przyczyny objawowych epizodów (około 90%). Epidemiologia wykazuje znaczne zróżnicowanie geograficzne: najwyższa seroprewalencja HSV-2 występuje w Afryce Subsaharyjskiej (30-80% u kobiet, 10-50% u mężczyzn), a najniższa w Azji. W USA seroprewalencja HSV-2 spadła z 18,0% (1999-2000) do 12,1% (2015-2016), z wyższą częstością u nie-latynoskich czarnoskórych (40,3%). Zakażenie HSV-1 narządów płciowych rośnie w krajach rozwiniętych, szczególnie wśród młodych dorosłych, co zmienia dotychczasowy wzorzec epidemiologiczny. Czynniki ryzyka obejmują płeć (kobiety bardziej narażone, 25% vs. 17% u mężczyzn), wiek, pochodzenie etniczne oraz zachowania seksualne, takie jak liczba partnerów i wczesne rozpoczęcie aktywności seksualnej. Transmisja wirusa odbywa się głównie przez kontakt seksualny, a około 75% zakażonych HSV-2 pozostaje bezobjawowych, co utrudnia kontrolę epidemiologiczną. Zakażenie HSV-2 zwiększa trzykrotnie ryzyko zakażenia HIV, co jest szczególnie istotne w regionach o wysokiej częstości obu infekcji.
- Wprowadzenie do epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych
- Globalne różnice w występowaniu opryszczki narządów płciowych
- Czynniki ryzyka i grupy wysokiego ryzyka
- Transmisja i szerzenie się zakażenia opryszczki narządów płciowych
- Interakcje z innymi chorobami przenoszonymi drogą płciową
- Wyzwania w nadzorze epidemiologicznym opryszczki narządów płciowych
- Zmiany czasowe w epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych
- Obciążenie ekonomiczne i zdrowotne
- Strategie zapobiegania i kontroli
- Podsumowanie obecnego stanu wiedzy
Wprowadzenie do epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych
Opryszczka narządów płciowych stanowi jeden z najczęstszych problemów zdrowia publicznego na świecie, będąc jedną z najczęściej występujących chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową. Szacuje się, że około 520 milionów osób w wieku 15-49 lat (13% populacji światowej) jest zakażonych wirusem opryszczki pospolitej typu 2 (HSV-2), który jest główną przyczyną opryszczki narządów płciowych. Jednocześnie około 205 milionów osób w tej grupie wiekowej (5,3%) doświadczyło co najmniej jednego objawowego epizodu opryszczki narządów płciowych w 2020 roku1. Najnowsze dane wskazują, że łącznie około 846 milionów osób w wieku 15-49 lat żyje z zakażeniem opryszczki narządów płciowych, co stanowi więcej niż 1 na 5 osób w tej grupie wiekowej na całym świecie2.
Zakażenie HSV jest dożywotnie, a jego rozpowszechnienie mierzono poprzez badanie różnych populacji pod kątem obecności przeciwciał, ponieważ zarówno wirus, jak i odpowiedź immunologiczna utrzymują się po zakażeniu przez całe życie gospodarza. Na całym świecie 90% ludzi ma jeden lub oba typy wirusa3. Szacuje się, że co najmniej 1 osoba na sekundę – około 42 miliony osób rocznie – nabywa nowe zakażenie opryszczką narządów płciowych4.
Różnice między HSV-1 i HSV-2 w epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych
Opryszczka narządów płciowych może być wywoływana zarówno przez wirus HSV-1, jak i HSV-2, z tym że HSV-2 jest główną przyczyną tego schorzenia. Według szacunków z 2020 roku, 520 milionów osób miało opryszczkę narządów płciowych wywołaną przez HSV-2, podczas gdy 376 milionów osób miało zakażenie opryszczką narządów płciowych wywołane przez HSV-15. Z perspektywy zdrowia publicznego, zakażenie HSV-2 jest poważniejsze, ponieważ znacznie częściej powoduje nawracające objawy, odpowiada za około 90% objawowych epizodów i jest związane z trzykrotnie zwiększonym ryzykiem zakażenia HIV67.
Epidemiologia HSV-1 przechodzi obecnie znaczące zmiany w wielu krajach rozwiniętych – zmniejsza się ekspozycja w dzieciństwie, a zwiększa w wieku dorosłym, zmniejsza się nabywanie zakażeń drogą oralną, ale zwiększa się nabywanie zakażeń narządów płciowych8. W niektórych regionach HSV-1 wyprzedza już HSV-2 jako główną przyczynę pierwszego epizodu opryszczki narządów płciowych. Na przykład w badaniu przeprowadzonym wśród studentów college’ów w USA odsetek przypadków opryszczki narządów płciowych przypisywanych HSV-1 (w przeciwieństwie do HSV-2) wzrósł z 31% w 1993 roku do 78% w 2001 roku9.
Globalne różnice w występowaniu opryszczki narządów płciowych
Rozpowszechnienie opryszczki narządów płciowych wykazuje znaczne różnice geograficzne, co jest związane zarówno z czynnikami demograficznymi, jak i behawioralnymi. Poniżej przedstawiono dane z różnych regionów świata.
Ameryka Północna
W Stanach Zjednoczonych, według danych z Narodowego Badania Zdrowia i Odżywiania (NHANES) z lat 2015-2016, częstość występowania wirusa opryszczki pospolitej typu 1 (HSV-1) wynosiła 47,8%, a częstość występowania wirusa opryszczki pospolitej typu 2 (HSV-2) wynosiła 11,9%10. Ogólna seroprewalencja HSV-2 w USA spadła z 18,0% w latach 1999-2000 do 12,1% w latach 2015-201611. Jednakże rozpowszechnienie różni się znacząco w zależności od grupy etnicznej – HSV-2 jest najbardziej rozpowszechniony wśród nie-latynoskich czarnoskórych (40,3%) w porównaniu z członkami innych amerykańskich grup rasowych/etnicznych; 13,7% wśród nie-latynoskich białych i 11,9% wśród Amerykanów pochodzenia meksykańskiego12.
W Kanadzie, według Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) z lat 2009-2011, seroprewalencja HSV-2 wśród Kanadyjczyków w wieku 14-59 lat wynosiła 13,6%13. Badania prowadzone w Nowej Szkocji i Nowym Brunszwiku wykazały, że ponad 50% zakażeń opryszczką narządów płciowych było spowodowanych przez HSV-114.
Europa
W Wielkiej Brytanii opryszczka narządów płciowych jest jedną z najczęstszych chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową powodujących owrzodzenia15. Badanie przeprowadzone wśród pacjentów kliniki chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową w Coventry wykazało, że ogólna częstość występowania przeciwciał HSV-2 wynosiła 20% (18% u mężczyzn i 21% u kobiet), podczas gdy częstość występowania przeciwciał HSV-1 wynosiła 60% (60% dla obu płci)16.
W Szwecji badania wykazały, że częstość występowania HSV-1 wynosiła 79,4%, a HSV-2 12,9%17. Roczna zapadalność na zakażenie HSV szacowana była na 14,0/1000 osób18.
W Irlandii opryszczka narządów płciowych jest powszechna, a w 2023 roku zgłoszono 1687 przypadków, co daje krajowy wskaźnik notyfikacji 32,8 na 100 000 mieszkańców19.
Afryka i Azja
Afryka Subsaharyjska ma najwyższe wskaźniki zakażeń HSV-2 na świecie, z seroprewalencją sięgającą od 30% do 80% u kobiet i od 10% do 50% u mężczyzn20. Szczególnie wysokie wskaźniki obserwuje się w niektórych częściach Afryki Subsaharyjskiej, gdzie występuje również wysoka częstość zakażeń HIV – nawet 80% nastolatków z RPA zakażonych HIV jest seropozytywnych dla HSV-221. Średni wskaźnik seropozytywności HSV-2 wśród kobiet uczęszczających do klinik prenatalnych w Afryce wynosił 40%, podczas gdy częstość występowania wśród pracownic seksualnych wynosiła 60-95%, szczególnie w regionach Afryki Subsaharyjskiej22.
W Indiach 63% osób było seropozytywnych w 2005 roku, z czego 33,3% było pozytywnych dla HSV-1, a 16,6% było seropozytywnych dla HSV-223.
Australia i Nowa Zelandia
W Australii szacuje się, że 12% dorosłych Australijczyków jest seropozytywnych dla HSV-2, z wyższą częstością występowania u kobiet (16%) niż u mężczyzn (8%)24. Nowsza metaanaliza wykazała, że 80% populacji australijskiej jest seropozytywna dla HSV-1, co jest wyższym poziomem niż obserwowany w innych krajach zachodnich25.
W Nowej Zelandii 53% zmian opryszczki narządów płciowych testowanych u osób poniżej 25 roku życia było pozytywnych dla HSV-126. Badania prowadzone w regionie Waikato wykazały, że HSV-1 odpowiadał za 53% pozytywnych izolatów od osób w wieku poniżej 25 lat, 30% izolatów u osób w wieku 25-35 lat i 26% izolatów u osób w wieku powyżej 35 lat27.
Czynniki ryzyka i grupy wysokiego ryzyka
Istnieje kilka dobrze udokumentowanych czynników ryzyka związanych z zakażeniem opryszczką narządów płciowych, a także grupy populacyjne, które są szczególnie narażone na to zakażenie.
Czynniki demograficzne
Płeć jest istotnym czynnikiem ryzyka w epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych. Seropozytywność dla HSV-2 jest częstsza u kobiet (25%) niż u mężczyzn (17%)28. Transmisja od zakażonego mężczyzny do jego partnerki jest bardziej prawdopodobna niż od zakażonej kobiety do jej partnera. Z tego powodu zakażenie HSV-2 narządów płciowych jest częstsze u kobiet (około jedna na pięć kobiet w wieku 14-49 lat) niż u mężczyzn (około jeden na dziewięciu mężczyzn w wieku 14-49 lat)29.
Wiek jest kolejnym ważnym czynnikiem, ponieważ częstość występowania obu typów HSV wzrasta z wiekiem30. Zakażenie HSV-2 rozpoczyna się zwykle wraz z aktywnością seksualną i jest rzadkie przed okresem dojrzewania31. Zwiększony wiek (po rozpoczęciu aktywności seksualnej) i całkowita liczba partnerów seksualnych są niezależnymi czynnikami związanymi ze zwiększoną seroprewalencją przeciwciał HSV-232.
Przynależność etniczna również wpływa na ryzyko zakażenia HSV-2. W USA HSV-2 jest najbardziej rozpowszechniony wśród nie-latynoskich czarnoskórych (40,3%) w porównaniu z innymi grupami rasowymi/etnicznymi33. Według danych z 2022 roku, CDC informuje, że 48% Afroamerykanek i 46% Afroamerykanów w Stanach Zjednoczonych jest zakażonych wirusem HSV-234.
Czynniki behawioralne
Zachowania seksualne mają istotny wpływ na ryzyko zakażenia opryszczką narządów płciowych. Zwiększona liczba partnerów seksualnych i wczesne rozpoczęcie aktywności seksualnej to istotne czynniki ryzyka. Badania epidemiologiczne wykazały, że wskaźnik zakażenia HSV-2 wśród osób zagrożonych waha się od wysokiego poziomu 8,6 na 100 osobolat dla kobiet do niskiego poziomu 2,7 na 100 osobolat wśród mężczyzn35.
W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Sokoto, wyższą seroprewalencję HSV-2 stwierdzono wśród osób samotnych niż wśród osób w związkach małżeńskich, co jest zgodne z badaniami ze Stanów Zjednoczonych36.
Grupy wysokiego ryzyka
Niektóre grupy populacyjne są szczególnie narażone na zakażenie HSV. Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, HSV-2 występuje częściej w populacjach, których zachowanie prowadzi do wysokiego ryzyka zakażenia innymi infekcjami przenoszonymi drogą płciową (STI), takimi jak osoby uczęszczające do klinik STI i pracownicy seksualni, przy czym niektóre badania afrykańskie wykazują ponad 80% seropozytywność HSV wśród pracowników seksualnych37.
Osoby z obniżoną odpornością, niezależnie od etiologii, są narażone na większe ryzyko reaktywacji HSV, przedłużonego wydzielania wirusa i cięższych nawrotów klinicznych38. Istnieją również specyficzne podgrupy populacyjne, które są bardziej narażone na zakażenia HSV, takie jak pacjenci poddawani chemioterapii przeciwnowotworowej39.
Transmisja i szerzenie się zakażenia opryszczki narządów płciowych
Transmisja HSV odbywa się poprzez bliski kontakt z osobą wydzielającą wirusa z miejsca obwodowego, na powierzchni śluzówki lub w wydzielinach narządów płciowych lub jamy ustnej40. Zakażenie opryszczką narządów płciowych rozprzestrzenia się poprzez stosunek pochwowy, seks oralny, seks analny, kontakt ze zmianami osoby zakażonej oraz od zakażonej matki do noworodka41.
Bezobjawowe wydzielanie wirusa
Kluczowym elementem epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych jest fakt, że HSV jest obecny okresowo na skórze lub błonach śluzowych między objawowymi nawrotami. To zjawisko, określane jako bezobjawowe lub subkliniczne wydzielanie, zostało opisane od wczesnych opisów klinicznych opryszczki narządów płciowych42. Wydzielanie wirusa może występować przy braku pęcherzyków, więc transmisja jest możliwa przy braku zmian. Większość transmisji następuje przy braku widocznych objawów43.
Brak rozpoznania zakażenia HSV ma kluczowe znaczenie dla transmisji, ponieważ osoby nieświadome swojego zakażenia nie podejmują środków zapobiegawczych. Szacuje się, że około 75% osób zakażonych wirusem HSV-2 nie ma objawów i może być zidentyfikowanych tylko poprzez badania serologiczne z zastosowaniem testów swoistych dla określonych typów wirusa44.
Transmisja w czasie ciąży i porodu
Zakażenie HSV u kobiet w ciąży stanowi istotne ryzyko dla płodu i noworodka. Zakażenie opryszczką narządów płciowych w czasie ciąży wiąże się z samoistnym poronieniem, wewnątrzmacicznym zahamowaniem wzrostu płodu, przedwczesnym porodem oraz zakażeniami wrodzonymi i noworodkowymi45.
Ryzyko zakażenia noworodka waha się od 30% do 50% w przypadku zakażeń HSV, które pojawiają się w późnej ciąży (trzeci trymestr), podczas gdy zakażenie we wczesnej ciąży niesie ryzyko około 1%46. Transmisja HSV od matki do płodu podczas ciąży jest rzadka; około 85% transmisji okołoporodowej zachodzi w okresie śródporodowym47.
Opryszczka noworodkowa jest znacznie częstsza (50%) u niemowląt matek z pierwotnym zakażeniem HSV w porównaniu do niemowląt matek z nawracającym zakażeniem HSV (3%)48. Jednak większość zakażeń HSV u noworodków (około 70%) wynika z ekspozycji na bezobjawowe zakażenie HSV narządów płciowych u matki w pobliżu porodu49.
Interakcje z innymi chorobami przenoszonymi drogą płciową
Opryszczka narządów płciowych wchodzi w interakcje z innymi chorobami przenoszonymi drogą płciową, szczególnie z HIV, co ma istotne implikacje dla zdrowia publicznego.
Opryszczka narządów płciowych a HIV
Zakażenie HSV-2 zwiększa ryzyko zakażenia HIV około trzykrotnie50. Mechanizm prawdopodobnie obejmuje zarówno owrzodzenia skóry lub błon śluzowych wywołane przez HSV-2, jak i napływ komórek CD4+ do zmian opryszczkowych, komórek, które zapewniają receptor dla wniknięcia HIV51.
Ze względu na to zwiększone ryzyko, WHO zaleca, aby osobom z objawami opryszczki narządów płciowych oferowano testowanie w kierunku HIV5253. Jest to szczególnie ważne w regionach o wysokiej częstości występowania zarówno HSV-2, jak i HIV, takich jak Afryka Subsaharyjska.
Badania u zakażonych HIV kobiet w ciąży wykazują, że współzakażenie HSV znacznie zwiększa ryzyko okołoporodowej transmisji HIV, zwłaszcza u kobiet, u których rozpoznano klinicznie opryszczkę narządów płciowych podczas ciąży54.
Choroba wrzodowa narządów płciowych
HSV-2 jest najczęstszą przyczyną choroby wrzodowej narządów płciowych (genital ulcer disease, GUD) w krajach rozwiniętych i rozwijających się55. Rozwój diagnostyki molekularnej ujawnił, że HSV-2 jest najczęstszym czynnikiem etiologicznym owrzodzeń narządów płciowych w świecie rozwiniętym i rozwijającym się56.
Choroba wrzodowa narządów płciowych, której opryszczka narządów płciowych jest najczęstszą przyczyną w krajach rozwiniętych, jest ważnym czynnikiem ryzyka w nabywaniu i przenoszeniu zakażenia HIV i przyczyniła się do rozprzestrzeniania się tego zaburzenia57.
Wyzwania w nadzorze epidemiologicznym opryszczki narządów płciowych
Mimo znaczącego wpływu na zdrowie publiczne, monitorowanie rzeczywistego rozpowszechnienia opryszczki narządów płciowych napotyka szereg wyzwań, które wpływają na dokładność danych epidemiologicznych.
Niedodiagnozowanie i bezobjawowe zakażenia
Znaczącym wyzwaniem w nadzorze nad opryszczką narządów płciowych jest wysoki odsetek zakażeń bezobjawowych lub nierozpoznanych. Tylko około jednej trzeciej osób zakażonych HSV-2 rozwija objawy w momencie zakażenia58. Szacuje się, że około 20% osób seropozytywnych dla HSV-2 zostało zdiagnozowanych jako mających opryszczkę narządów płciowych, większość osób z HSV-2 jest bezobjawowa lub nie rozpoznaje swoich objawów jako opryszczki narządów płciowych59.
Nieświadomość zakażenia wśród pacjentów wraz z występowaniem atypowych objawów i bezobjawowego wydzielania wirusa HSV przyczyniają się do przenoszenia opryszczki narządów płciowych60. Rzeczywiście, bezobjawowe zakażenie jest prawdopodobnie najważniejszym czynnikiem utrzymującym krążenie wirusa; wiele przypadków opryszczki narządów płciowych jest przenoszonych przez osoby, które nie mają klinicznej świadomości swojego zakażenia61.
Ograniczenia diagnostyki
Dokładna diagnostyka opryszczki narządów płciowych stanowi wyzwanie, szczególnie w krajach o niskich i średnich dochodach. Brak łatwych, niedrogich metod diagnostycznych i specyficznego leczenia przeciwwirusowego w tych krajach budzi duże obawy, biorąc pod uwagę zdolność GUD do zwiększania transmisji i nabywania HIV62.
WHO zaleca, aby do diagnozowania objawowych pacjentów stosować albo hodowlę wirusa, albo zwalidowane i zatwierdzone testy amplifikacji kwasu nukleinowego (NAAT) jako testy z wyboru, które powinny być promowane w celu laboratoryjnego potwierdzenia zakażenia HSV63. Tylko serologia swoista dla określonych typów powinna być stosowana do wykrywania bezobjawowych osób, badania kobiet w ciąży zagrożonych zakażeniem HSV blisko terminu porodu, mężczyzn uprawiających seks z mężczyznami i osób zakażonych HIV64.
Zmiany czasowe w epidemiologii opryszczki narządów płciowych
Epidemiologia opryszczki narządów płciowych podlega istotnym zmianom w czasie, co ma ważne implikacje dla zdrowia publicznego i klinicznego zarządzania tą chorobą.
Trendy w zakażeniach HSV-1 i HSV-2
W ostatnich dekadach zaobserwowano zmiany w epidemiologii zarówno HSV-1, jak i HSV-2. Chociaż szacunki z 2020 roku pokazują praktycznie brak różnicy w częstości występowania HSV-2 narządów płciowych w porównaniu z 2016 rokiem, szacowane zakażenia HSV-1 narządów płciowych są wyższe65.
W USA, od końca lat 70., częstość występowania wirusa opryszczki pospolitej typu 2 (HSV-2) wzrosła o około 30 procent66. Jednak najnowsze dane pokazują spadek skorygowanej względem wieku częstości występowania HSV-2 o 5,9 punktu procentowego, z 18,0% w latach 1999-2000 do 12,1% w latach 2015-201667.
Jednocześnie, średni odsetek wykrycia HSV-1 w opryszczce narządów płciowych w USA wynosił 15,4% (95% CI: 10,8-20,6), zwiększając się 1,02-krotnie (95% CI: 1,00-1,04) rocznie68. Podobnie w Australii i Nowej Zelandii, odsetek wykrycia HSV-1 w opryszczce narządów płciowych wynosił 30,5% (95% CI: 23,3-38,3%) i był najwyższy u młodych osób, zwiększając się 1,04-krotnie (95% CI: 1,00-1,08) rocznie69.
Zmiany w nabywaniu zakażeń w różnych grupach wiekowych
Istnieją dowody na zmianę wzorca nabywania zakażeń HSV, szczególnie HSV-1, w różnych grupach wiekowych. Seroprewalencja HSV-1 dostosowana do wieku była niższa w późniejszych kohortach urodzeniowych, co wskazuje na zmniejszające się ryzyko zakażenia w dzieciństwie i okresie dojrzewania70.
W Australii połączona średnia seroprewalencja wynosiła 70,2% (95% CI 47,4-88,7%) wśród osób poniżej 35 roku życia i 86,9% (95% CI 79,3-93,0%) wśród osób w wieku 35 lat i starszych71. Oznacza to, że młodsze grupy wiekowe mają niższą częstość zakażeń HSV-1, prawdopodobnie ze względu na poprawę higieny i warunków życia.
Epidemiologia HSV-1 w wielu krajach wydaje się przechodzić w kierunku mniejszego nabywania zakażeń drogą oralną w dzieciństwie, ale większego nabywania zakażeń narządów płciowych w wieku dorosłym, szczególnie wśród młodzieży7273.
Obciążenie ekonomiczne i zdrowotne
Opryszczka narządów płciowych powoduje znaczne obciążenie zarówno pod względem zdrowotnym, jak i ekonomicznym, wpływając na jakość życia zakażonych osób i generując koszty dla systemów opieki zdrowotnej.
Wpływ psychospołeczny
Opryszczka narządów płciowych jest często związana z dystresem psychospołecznym, spowodowanym posiadaniem nieuleczalnej choroby przenoszonej drogą płciową, stygmatyzacją posiadania takiej choroby oraz niepokojem związanym z powrotem do normalnego życia seksualnego po zakażeniu. Stres jest zwykle większy wśród kobiet niż mężczyzn i u wielu osób przewyższa fizyczny dyskomfort spowodowany zakażeniem74.
Z czasem większość osób przystosowuje się do życia z opryszczką, chociaż nawroty depresji i poczucia bezwartościowości mają tendencję do powrotu podczas nawrotów choroby75.
Koszty ekonomiczne
Wcześniejsze w tym roku badanie wykazało, że zakażenia opryszczką narządów płciowych nie tylko powodują znaczące skutki zdrowotne, ale także poważne koszty ekonomiczne, szacowane na około 35 miliardów dolarów rocznie na całym świecie poprzez wydatki na opiekę zdrowotną i utratę produktywności76.
Obciążenie opryszczką noworodkową
Częstość występowania opryszczki noworodkowej różni się w zależności od regionu i szacuje się, że występuje od 1 na 3200 do 1 na 15 000 ciąż77. Powody zróżnicowanej częstości są słabo poznane, ale prawdopodobnie wynikają z wzajemnego oddziaływania między zachowaniem seksualnym w populacji a podstawową częstością występowania i zapadalnością na HSV-1 i HSV-278.
W Kanadzie, w latach 2000-2003, zapadalność na HSV noworodkowy wynosiła 5,9 na 100 000 żywych urodzeń; 62,5% przypadków można przypisać HSV-179. Obraz kliniczny niemowląt z zakażeniem noworodkowym HSV, które jest prawie zawsze objawowe i często śmiertelne, jest bezpośrednim odzwierciedleniem miejsca i zakresu replikacji wirusa80.
Strategie zapobiegania i kontroli
W obliczu braku szczepionki przeciwko opryszczce, strategie zapobiegania i kontroli koncentrują się na ograniczaniu transmisji, wczesnym wykrywaniu i leczeniu.
Edukacja i świadomość
WHO pracuje nad zwiększeniem świadomości na temat zakażeń opryszczką narządów płciowych i związanych z nimi objawów, poprawą dostępu do leków przeciwwirusowych oraz promowaniem związanych z tym wysiłków na rzecz zapobiegania HIV81.
Świadomość publiczna i informacje na temat opryszczki narządów płciowych, wielu sposobów, w jakie może być przenoszona, oraz jej znaczenia dla zdrowia publicznego, oparte na wysokiej seroprewalencji HSV-2, są niezbędne82.
Praktyki bezpieczniejszego seksu
Najbezpieczniejszym sposobem uniknięcia opryszczki narządów płciowych jest powstrzymanie się od kontaktów seksualnych pochwowych, analnych lub oralnych, lub pozostawanie w długoterminowym, wzajemnie monogamicznym związku z partnerem, który został przebadany i wiadomo, że nie jest zakażony83.
Prawidłowe i konsekwentne używanie prezerwatyw lateksowych może zmniejszyć ryzyko opryszczki narządów płciowych, ponieważ objawy opryszczki mogą wystąpić zarówno w męskich, jak i żeńskich obszarach narządów płciowych, które są zakryte lub chronione przez prezerwatywę lateksową. Jednak wybuchy mogą wystąpić w obszarach, które nie są zakryte przez prezerwatywę84.
Terapia przeciwwirusowa
Chociaż obecnie nie ma lekarstwa na opryszczkę, istnieją leki, które mogą złagodzić objawy i zmniejszyć częstość występowania opryszczki. WHO zaleca, aby osobom z objawami opryszczki narządów płciowych oferowano testowanie w kierunku HIV i, jeśli to konieczne, profilaktykę przedekspozycyjną w celu zapobiegania HIV85.
Zapobiegawcze leki przeciwwirusowe (terapia supresyjna), gdy nawroty są częste, mogą zmniejszyć ryzyko transmisji86.
Potrzeby badawcze
Potrzebne są lepsze opcje zapobiegania i leczenia, aby zmniejszyć transmisję opryszczki i przyczynić się do zmniejszenia transmisji HIV87. Autorzy badania opublikowanego w czasopiśmie Sexually Transmitted Infections twierdzą, że potrzebne są nowe metody leczenia i szczepionki, aby zmniejszyć niekorzystne skutki zdrowotne wirusa opryszczki i kontrolować jego rozprzestrzenianie się88.
Rozszerzone badania i inwestycje w opracowywanie nowych szczepionek i terapii przeciwko opryszczce oraz ich sprawiedliwe wykorzystanie mogą odegrać kluczową rolę w poprawie jakości życia ludzi na całym świecie89.
Podsumowanie obecnego stanu wiedzy
Opryszczka narządów płciowych stanowi istotny globalny problem zdrowia publicznego, z około 846 milionami osób w wieku 15-49 lat żyjących z zakażeniem na całym świecie. Zakażenie HSV-2 pozostaje główną przyczyną opryszczki narządów płciowych, odpowiadając za około 90% objawowych epizodów, ale w wielu krajach rozwiniętych obserwuje się wzrost zakażeń HSV-1 narządów płciowych, szczególnie wśród młodszych osób.
Epidemiologia opryszczki narządów płciowych charakteryzuje się znacznymi różnicami regionalnymi, z najwyższymi wskaźnikami w Afryce Subsaharyjskiej i najniższymi w Azji. Czynniki ryzyka obejmują płeć (kobiety są bardziej narażone), wiek, rasę/pochodzenie etniczne oraz zachowania seksualne, takie jak liczba partnerów seksualnych i wczesne rozpoczęcie aktywności seksualnej.
Wyzwaniem dla zdrowia publicznego pozostaje wysoki odsetek bezobjawowych lub nierozpoznanych zakażeń, które przyczyniają się do ciągłego przenoszenia wirusa. Opryszczka narządów płciowych zwiększa również ryzyko zakażenia HIV, co ma szczególne znaczenie w regionach o wysokiej częstości występowania obu infekcji.
Chociaż nie ma obecnie lekarstwa na opryszczkę narządów płciowych, dostępne są strategie minimalizujące ryzyko transmisji, w tym bezpieczniejsze praktyki seksualne i terapia przeciwwirusowa. Istnieje pilna potrzeba opracowania skutecznej szczepionki oraz lepszych opcji diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych, szczególnie dla krajów o niskich i średnich dochodach.
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
An estimated 520 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes. […] An estimated 205 million people aged 15-49 (5.3%) experienced at least one symptomatic episode of genital herpes in 2020. […] Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 520 million (13%) people aged 15-49 years worldwide (2020 data). […] The majority of these people (92%) had symptoms related to HSV-2 infection. HSV-2 is much more likely than genital HSV-1 infection to cause recurrent symptoms. […] HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection by approximately three-fold. […] People with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing. […] Preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.
- #2https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally according to new estimates released today. […] At least 1 person each second 42 million people annually is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection. […] According to the estimates, more than 200 million people aged 15 to 49 suffered at least one such symptomatic episode in 2020. […] The authors of the study, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, say that new treatments and vaccines are needed to reduce adverse health effects of the herpes virus and control its spread. […] Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV.
- #3 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Herpes simplex viruses are among the most ubiquitous of human infections. The frequency of HSV infection has been measured by testing various populations for the presence of antibody, as both virus and the immune response are thought to persist after infection for the life of the host. Worldwide, 90% of people have one or both viruses. HSV-1 is the more prevalent virus, with 65% of persons in the United States having antibodies to HSV-1. The epidemiology in Europe is similar, with at least half of the population seropositive for HSV-1. In the developing world, HSV-1 is almost universal, and usually acquired from intimate contact with family in early childhood. After childhood, the HSV-1 prevalence rates increase minimally with age. Rates of HSV-1 infection are similar for men and women. In the United States, African-Americans and Asians have higher rates of HSV-1 infection than whites. The majority of infections are oral, although most are asymptomatic. Some data suggest that in developed countries, acquisition of HSV-1 is delayed from early childhood to adolescence or young adulthood.
- #4https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally according to new estimates released today. […] At least 1 person each second 42 million people annually is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection. […] According to the estimates, more than 200 million people aged 15 to 49 suffered at least one such symptomatic episode in 2020. […] The authors of the study, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, say that new treatments and vaccines are needed to reduce adverse health effects of the herpes virus and control its spread. […] Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV.
- #5https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
According to the estimates, 520 million people in 2020 had genital HSV-2, which is transmitted during sexual activity. […] From a public health perspective, genital HSV-2 is more serious since it is substantially more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounts for around 90% of symptomatic episodes, and is linked to a three-fold increased risk of getting HIV. […] Some 376 million people are estimated to have had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020. […] While the 2020 estimates show virtually no difference in the prevalence of genital HSV-2 compared to 2016, estimated genital HSV-1 infections are higher. […] Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, and their equitable use, could play a critical role in improving quality of life for people around the world.
- #6https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
According to the estimates, 520 million people in 2020 had genital HSV-2, which is transmitted during sexual activity. […] From a public health perspective, genital HSV-2 is more serious since it is substantially more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounts for around 90% of symptomatic episodes, and is linked to a three-fold increased risk of getting HIV. […] Some 376 million people are estimated to have had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020. […] While the 2020 estimates show virtually no difference in the prevalence of genital HSV-2 compared to 2016, estimated genital HSV-1 infections are higher. […] Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, and their equitable use, could play a critical role in improving quality of life for people around the world.
- #7https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
An estimated 520 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes. […] An estimated 205 million people aged 15-49 (5.3%) experienced at least one symptomatic episode of genital herpes in 2020. […] Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 520 million (13%) people aged 15-49 years worldwide (2020 data). […] The majority of these people (92%) had symptoms related to HSV-2 infection. HSV-2 is much more likely than genital HSV-1 infection to cause recurrent symptoms. […] HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection by approximately three-fold. […] People with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing. […] Preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.
- #8 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/783113-overview
HSV is the most common cause of genital ulcers in the United States. […] The prevalence of HSV infection worldwide has increased over the last several decades, making it a major public health concern. […] Epidemiology of HSV-1 infection in the US is undergoing a remarkable and subtle transition, with less exposure in childhood and more in adulthood, and less oral acquisition but more genital acquisition. […] HSV-1 could be overtaking HSV-2 as the main cause of first episode of genital herpes in the United States and elsewhere. […] Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2015-2016, prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was 47.8%, and prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was 11.9%. […] An increase in seroprevalence of antibodies to HSV-2 has been documented throughout the world (including the United States) over the last 20 years.
- #9 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-overview
HSV is the most common cause of genital ulcers in the United States. HSV-1 is usually acquired in childhood by contact with oral secretions that contain the virus. The presence of HSV-2 can be used as an indirect measure of sexual activity. Seroprevalence rates do not reflect how many of these individuals have or will have symptomatic episodes of HSV recurrence, as the presence of antibodies is poorly correlated with disease protection. Epidemiology of HSV-1 infection in the US is undergoing a remarkable and subtle transition, with less exposure in childhood and more in adulthood, and less oral acquisition but more genital acquisition. […] HSV-1 could be overtaking HSV-2 as the main cause of first episode of genital herpes in the United States and elsewhere. […] In a study of college students in the US, the percentage of genital herpes attributed to HSV-1 (as opposed to HSV-2) increased from 31% in 1993 to 78% in 2001.
- #10 Products – Data Briefs – Number 304 – February 2018https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm
During 20152016, prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was 47.8%, and prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was 11.9%. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 increased with age. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was higher among females than males. […] Prevalence of HSV-1 was highest among Mexican-American persons and lowest among non-Hispanic white persons. HSV-2 prevalence was highest among Hispanic black persons and lowest among non-Hispanic Asian persons. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 decreased from 19992000 to 20152016 (from 59.4% to 48.1%, and from 18.0% to 12.1%, respectively). […] The prevalence of HSV-2 among persons aged 1449 was 11.9% (12.1% when adjusted for age). […] Age-adjusted prevalence was higher among females (15.9%) than males (8.2%).
- #11 Products – Data Briefs – Number 304 – February 2018https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm
During 20152016, prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was 47.8%, and prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was 11.9%. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 increased with age. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was higher among females than males. […] Prevalence of HSV-1 was highest among Mexican-American persons and lowest among non-Hispanic white persons. HSV-2 prevalence was highest among Hispanic black persons and lowest among non-Hispanic Asian persons. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 decreased from 19992000 to 20152016 (from 59.4% to 48.1%, and from 18.0% to 12.1%, respectively). […] The prevalence of HSV-2 among persons aged 1449 was 11.9% (12.1% when adjusted for age). […] Age-adjusted prevalence was higher among females (15.9%) than males (8.2%).
- #12 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/783113-overview
HSV-2 is most prevalent among non-Hispanic blacks (40.3%) compared with the members of other US racial/ethnic groups; 13.7% among non-Hispanic whites and 11.9% among Mexican Americans. […] Seropositivity to HSV-2 is more common in women (25%) than in men (17%). […] Increased age (after onset of sexual activity) and total number of sexual partners are independent factors associated with increased seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibodies.
- #13 Genital herpes guide: Etiology and epidemiology – Canada.cahttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/herpes-simplex-virus/etiology-epidemiology.html
Etiology and epidemiology of the genital herpes. […] In Canada, the annual incidence of genital herpes due to HSV-1 and HSV-2 is not known. Many infections are undiagnosed and therefore, epidemiological reports can only provide a partial picture of HSV incidence and prevalence. […] The 2009 to 2011 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) estimated HSV-2 seroprevalence among Canadians aged 14 to 59 at 13.6%. […] Although HSV-2 has been the most common cause of genital herpes historically, there has been a significant rise in genital HSV-1 infections, especially in females. […] HSV-2 antibody testing of leftover serum submitted for antenatal testing in British Columbia revealed an overall seroprevalence of 17.3%, with an increase in prevalence with age, ranging from 7.1% in females 15-19 years to 28.2% in those 40-44 years.
- #14 Genital herpes guide: Etiology and epidemiology – Canada.cahttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/herpes-simplex-virus/etiology-epidemiology.html
In studies conducted in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, cultures performed on samples taken from lesions of genital herpes indicated that more than 50% of infections were due to HSV-1. […] In Canada, from 2000 to 2003, the incidence of neonatal HSV was 5.9 per 100,000 live births; 62.5% of cases were attributable to HSV-1.
- #15https://www.gov.uk/guidance/genital-herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the genital herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is the most common ulcerative sexually transmitted infection in the UK. […] Sexual and reproductive health profiles: interactive maps, charts and tables. […] Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): annual data tables. […] HIV and STI: data sharing policy.
- #16 Genital herpes serotesting: a study of the epidemiology and patientsâ knowledge and attitude among STD clinic attenders in Coventry, UK | Sexually Transmitted Infectionshttps://sti.bmj.com/content/79/1/35
Objectives: To examine the seroprevalence and correlates of antibodies to herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and to assess patients knowledge and attitude towards genital herpes infection and its serotesting, before and after counselling. […] Results: 223 patients participated in the study (97% of eligible patients). Overall, prevalence of HSV-2 antibody was 43/216 (20%) (19/103, 18% for males and 24/113 (21%) for females, p=0.61) while prevalence of HSV-1 antibody was 129/215 (60%) (60% for both sexes, p=0.91). In the multivariate analysis HSV-2 seropositivity was higher among black people and those with a history of genital herpes. HSV-1 seropositivity was independently associated with less education, increased years of sexual activity (between 14-25 years), and history of cold sores.
- #17 Herpes virus seroepidemiology in the adult Swedish population | Immunity & Ageing | Full Texthttps://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12979-017-0093-4
Prevalence of HSV1 was 79.4%, HSV2 12.9%, CMV 83.2%, VZV 97.9%, and HHV6 97.5%. […] Women are more often seropositive for HHV, especially HSV2. […] Age-adjusted seroprevalence for HSV was lower in later birth cohorts indicating a decreasing childhood and adolescent risk of infection. […] The yearly incidence of HSV infection was estimated at 14.0/1000. […] The birth cohort effect, giving lower age-specific anti-HSV IgG prevalence in later birth cohorts, is illustrated in Fig. 1 showing HSV IgG seroprevalence in relation to age in two temporally separated study cohorts (S1T1: 1988-1990 and S5T4: 2003-2005). […] By analysis of longitudinal samples, the HSV incidence was calculated at 14.0/1000 PY in this population and this incidence rate explains approximately one third of the increase in prevalence by age. […] The remaining increase can be attributed to year of birth differences in the sub-cohorts, in that later sub-cohorts have a lower prevalence.
- #18 Herpes virus seroepidemiology in the adult Swedish population | Immunity & Ageing | Full Texthttps://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12979-017-0093-4
Prevalence of HSV1 was 79.4%, HSV2 12.9%, CMV 83.2%, VZV 97.9%, and HHV6 97.5%. […] Women are more often seropositive for HHV, especially HSV2. […] Age-adjusted seroprevalence for HSV was lower in later birth cohorts indicating a decreasing childhood and adolescent risk of infection. […] The yearly incidence of HSV infection was estimated at 14.0/1000. […] The birth cohort effect, giving lower age-specific anti-HSV IgG prevalence in later birth cohorts, is illustrated in Fig. 1 showing HSV IgG seroprevalence in relation to age in two temporally separated study cohorts (S1T1: 1988-1990 and S5T4: 2003-2005). […] By analysis of longitudinal samples, the HSV incidence was calculated at 14.0/1000 PY in this population and this incidence rate explains approximately one third of the increase in prevalence by age. […] The remaining increase can be attributed to year of birth differences in the sub-cohorts, in that later sub-cohorts have a lower prevalence.
- #19 Genital Herpes simplex – Health Protection Surveillance Centrehttps://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/sexuallytransmittedinfections/genitalherpessimplex/
Genital herpes is common in Ireland. It is mostly diagnosed in young women. […] 1687 cases notified in 2023. […] 32.8 the national notification rate per 100,000 population.
- #20 Herpes simplex epidemiology and demographics – wikidochttps://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Herpes_simplex_epidemiology_and_demographics
Women are at a higher risk than men for acquiring HSV-2 infection, and the chance of being infected increases with age. […] HSV-2 in more common in some countries, such as those of Sub-Saharan Africa, than in Europe or the North America. Up to 82% of women, and 53% of men in Sub-Saharan Africa are seropositive for HSV-2, representing the highest levels of HSV-2 infection in the world, although exact levels vary from country to country in this continent. […] HSV-2 seroprevalency is high in Central and South America, relative to rates in Europe and North America with levels estimated between 20-60%. […] HSV-2 seroprevalence in developing Asian countries is comparable (10-30%) to that observed in North America and Northern Europe.
- #21 Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients – Biomedical and Pharmacology Journalhttps://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/prevalence-of-genital-herpes-insights-from-outpatient-clinic-patients/
High rates are also observed in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a high prevalence of HIV with up to 80% of HIV-positive teenagers from South Africa being seropositive for HSV-2, as well as 20% of their corresponding healthy controls. […] The average HSV-2 seropositivity rate among antenatal clinic attendees in Africa was 40%, while the prevalence was 60-95% amongst female sex workers, especially those from sub-Saharan districts. […] Most incident genital herpes infections do not present as recognized clinical syndromes but rather are experienced as subclinical or unrecognized. […] Indeed, asymptomatic infection is perhaps the most important factor in maintaining virus circulation; many cases of genital herpes are transmitted by individuals who have no clinical awareness of their infected status.
- #22 Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients – Biomedical and Pharmacology Journalhttps://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/prevalence-of-genital-herpes-insights-from-outpatient-clinic-patients/
High rates are also observed in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a high prevalence of HIV with up to 80% of HIV-positive teenagers from South Africa being seropositive for HSV-2, as well as 20% of their corresponding healthy controls. […] The average HSV-2 seropositivity rate among antenatal clinic attendees in Africa was 40%, while the prevalence was 60-95% amongst female sex workers, especially those from sub-Saharan districts. […] Most incident genital herpes infections do not present as recognized clinical syndromes but rather are experienced as subclinical or unrecognized. […] Indeed, asymptomatic infection is perhaps the most important factor in maintaining virus circulation; many cases of genital herpes are transmitted by individuals who have no clinical awareness of their infected status.
- #23 Epidemiology of herpes simplex – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_herpes_simplex
HSV-2 is more common in Sub-Saharan Africa than in Europe or North America. Up to 82% of women and 53% of men in Sub-Saharan Africa are seropositive for HSV-2. […] Relative to rates in Europe and North America, HSV-2 seroprevalency is high in Central and South America. Infection levels are estimated at 20% to 60%. […] In India 63% of individuals were seropositive in 2005, within this figure, 33.3% were positive for HSV-1 and 16.6% are seropositive for HSV-2. […] In Australia, an estimated 12% of Australian adults were seropositive for HSV-2, with higher prevalence in women (16%) than in men (8%).
- #24 Epidemiology of herpes simplex – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_herpes_simplex
HSV-2 is more common in Sub-Saharan Africa than in Europe or North America. Up to 82% of women and 53% of men in Sub-Saharan Africa are seropositive for HSV-2. […] Relative to rates in Europe and North America, HSV-2 seroprevalency is high in Central and South America. Infection levels are estimated at 20% to 60%. […] In India 63% of individuals were seropositive in 2005, within this figure, 33.3% were positive for HSV-1 and 16.6% are seropositive for HSV-2. […] In Australia, an estimated 12% of Australian adults were seropositive for HSV-2, with higher prevalence in women (16%) than in men (8%).
- #25 EPIDEMIOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND DIAGNOSIShttps://guidelines.stief.org.nz/herpes-epidemiology-transmission-diagnosis
Genital herpes due to HSV-1 (often through facial to genital transmission) has become common. Therefore, HSV-1 is a common cause of primary genital herpes. Up to one in five adults are serologically positive for HSV-2, but most of these individuals will have asymptomatic or unrecognised disease. HSV-1 seroprevalence in the Australasian population is estimated to be about 80% in those older than 35 years. The natural history of genital HSV-1 infection shows significantly fewer recurrences and less subclinical shedding than genital HSV-2 infection. In New Zealand 53% of genital herpes lesions tested positive for HSV-1 in under 25 year olds. In the UK HSV-1 is the most common cause of genital herpes. […] A 2023 meta analysis showed 80% of the Australian population is seropositive for HSV-1, a higher level than that observed in other Western countries. Seropositivity does not determine the site of infection but available data suggests that HSV-1 accounts for 35% of confirmed anogenital infections in Australia, and a Waikato-wide study found that 3040% of anogenital isolates annually were due to HSV-1. The Waikato data also reported that HSV-1 accounted for 53% of positive isolates from individuals aged under 25 years, 30% of isolated in those aged 2535 years, and 26% of isolates in those aged 35 years. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 (like that of HSV-2) increases as age increases, and tends to be more common in women than in men.
- #26 EPIDEMIOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND DIAGNOSIShttps://guidelines.stief.org.nz/herpes-epidemiology-transmission-diagnosis
Genital herpes due to HSV-1 (often through facial to genital transmission) has become common. Therefore, HSV-1 is a common cause of primary genital herpes. Up to one in five adults are serologically positive for HSV-2, but most of these individuals will have asymptomatic or unrecognised disease. HSV-1 seroprevalence in the Australasian population is estimated to be about 80% in those older than 35 years. The natural history of genital HSV-1 infection shows significantly fewer recurrences and less subclinical shedding than genital HSV-2 infection. In New Zealand 53% of genital herpes lesions tested positive for HSV-1 in under 25 year olds. In the UK HSV-1 is the most common cause of genital herpes. […] A 2023 meta analysis showed 80% of the Australian population is seropositive for HSV-1, a higher level than that observed in other Western countries. Seropositivity does not determine the site of infection but available data suggests that HSV-1 accounts for 35% of confirmed anogenital infections in Australia, and a Waikato-wide study found that 3040% of anogenital isolates annually were due to HSV-1. The Waikato data also reported that HSV-1 accounted for 53% of positive isolates from individuals aged under 25 years, 30% of isolated in those aged 2535 years, and 26% of isolates in those aged 35 years. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 (like that of HSV-2) increases as age increases, and tends to be more common in women than in men.
- #27 EPIDEMIOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND DIAGNOSIShttps://guidelines.stief.org.nz/herpes-epidemiology-transmission-diagnosis
Genital herpes due to HSV-1 (often through facial to genital transmission) has become common. Therefore, HSV-1 is a common cause of primary genital herpes. Up to one in five adults are serologically positive for HSV-2, but most of these individuals will have asymptomatic or unrecognised disease. HSV-1 seroprevalence in the Australasian population is estimated to be about 80% in those older than 35 years. The natural history of genital HSV-1 infection shows significantly fewer recurrences and less subclinical shedding than genital HSV-2 infection. In New Zealand 53% of genital herpes lesions tested positive for HSV-1 in under 25 year olds. In the UK HSV-1 is the most common cause of genital herpes. […] A 2023 meta analysis showed 80% of the Australian population is seropositive for HSV-1, a higher level than that observed in other Western countries. Seropositivity does not determine the site of infection but available data suggests that HSV-1 accounts for 35% of confirmed anogenital infections in Australia, and a Waikato-wide study found that 3040% of anogenital isolates annually were due to HSV-1. The Waikato data also reported that HSV-1 accounted for 53% of positive isolates from individuals aged under 25 years, 30% of isolated in those aged 2535 years, and 26% of isolates in those aged 35 years. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 (like that of HSV-2) increases as age increases, and tends to be more common in women than in men.
- #28 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/783113-overview
- #29 Genital Herpeshttps://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/diseases/genital-herpes.html
Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2 percent, or about one out of six, people aged 14 to 49 years have genital HSV-2 infection. Over the past decade, the percentage of persons with genital herpes infection in the United States has remained stable. […] Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner. Because of this, genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women aged 14 to 49 years) than in men (about one out of nine men aged 14 to 49 years). […] Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical. Providers can take a sample from the sore(s) and test it. Sometimes, HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks with a blood test. A person should discuss such testing options with their health care provider.
- #30 Products – Data Briefs – Number 304 – February 2018https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm
During 20152016, prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was 47.8%, and prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was 11.9%. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 increased with age. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was higher among females than males. […] Prevalence of HSV-1 was highest among Mexican-American persons and lowest among non-Hispanic white persons. HSV-2 prevalence was highest among Hispanic black persons and lowest among non-Hispanic Asian persons. […] Prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 decreased from 19992000 to 20152016 (from 59.4% to 48.1%, and from 18.0% to 12.1%, respectively). […] The prevalence of HSV-2 among persons aged 1449 was 11.9% (12.1% when adjusted for age). […] Age-adjusted prevalence was higher among females (15.9%) than males (8.2%).
- #31 Herpes Simplex | Health Knowledgehttps://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/disease-causation-diagnostic/2b-epidemiology-diseases-phs/infectious-diseases/herpes-simplex
Worldwide 50-90% of adults possess circulating antibodies against HSV-1 and initial infection usually occurs before age 5. There is also a secondary peak among young adults. […] HSV-2 infection usually begins with sexual activity and is rare before adolescence. […] Genital herpes simplex virus infection is the most common ulcerative sexually transmitted disease in the UK (Health Protection Agency). […] In 2004, 18,991 new cases were diagnosed in the UK with the highest rates observed among young adults aged 20-24 years (Health Protection Agency).
- #32 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/783113-overview
- #33 Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/783113-overview
HSV-2 is most prevalent among non-Hispanic blacks (40.3%) compared with the members of other US racial/ethnic groups; 13.7% among non-Hispanic whites and 11.9% among Mexican Americans. […] Seropositivity to HSV-2 is more common in women (25%) than in men (17%). […] Increased age (after onset of sexual activity) and total number of sexual partners are independent factors associated with increased seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibodies.
- #34 Epidemiology of herpes simplex – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_herpes_simplex
The most recent data for HSV-2 was published in March 2010, based on a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study performed between 2005 and 2013 by CDC. About 1 in 6 Americans (16.2%) aged 14 to 49 is infected with HSV-2. […] The most affected group was black women, with a prevalence rate of 48%. […] The current prevalence of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 in the U.S. is roughly one in four or five adults, with approximately 50 million people infected with genital herpes and an estimated 0.5 million new genital herpes infections occurring each year. […] Due to the anatomical nature of the vagina women are at higher risk than men for acquiring HSV-2 infection, and the chance of being infected increases with age. […] As of 2022, The CDC reports that 48% of African American women and 46% of African American males in the United States are infected with the HSV-2 virus.
- #35 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Immunosuppression, regardless of etiology, is associated with greater risk of HSV reactivation, prolonged viral shedding and more severe clinical recurrences. While even in severely immunocompromised patients most disease is mucocutaneous, extension to internal organs, such as esophagus, or dissemination, can also occur. […] HSV is present intermittently on skin or mucosa in between symptomatic recurrences. This phenomenon, defined as asymptomatic or subclinical shedding, has been described since the early clinical descriptions of genital herpes. However, the frequency, pattern, and the importance of subclinical shedding for transmission of HSV have only recently been elucidated. […] The rate of HSV-2 acquisition among persons at risk varies from a high of 8.6 per 100 person-years for women, to a low of 2.7 per 100 person-years among men. These studies have also shown that women are at 2-to-6 fold higher risk for HSV-2 acquisition than men; prior infection with HSV-1 does not protect against HSV-2 acquisition; symptoms of first episode HSV-2 infection are less prominent among those with previous HSV-1 infection; frequent sexual activity is a risk factor for HSV-2 transmission, and HSV-2 is transmitted more easily than HSV-1 infection.
- #36 Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients – Biomedical and Pharmacology Journalhttps://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/prevalence-of-genital-herpes-insights-from-outpatient-clinic-patients/
The seroprevalence was found higher among males than females in this study, consistent with previous reports. […] We also found an even higher seroprevalence among single patients than married ones again, in line with studies from the United States. […] Public awareness and information on genital herpes, the many ways by which it may be transmitted and its public health importance based on high seroprevalence of HSV-2 in this study is necessary.
- #37 LSHTM LSHTM Research Onlinehttps://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/14787/
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common infection in many countries, with prevalence in some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, higher than in the USA. Prevalence in adult general populations in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 30% to 80% in women, and from 10% to 50% in men. […] In general, HSV-2 seroprevalence is high in populations whose behaviour leads to a high risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as STI clinic attendees and sex workers (SWs), with some African studies reporting greater than 80% HSV seropositivity in SWs. New infections are most common among young adults, a fact that should be considered when proposing and implementing measures to reduce HSV, and possibly HIV, transmission. […] HSV-2 is a major cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in the developing world. Genital herpes is a cause of morbidity and increases the risk of HIV acquisition, due to disruption of mucosal membranes.
- #38 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Immunosuppression, regardless of etiology, is associated with greater risk of HSV reactivation, prolonged viral shedding and more severe clinical recurrences. While even in severely immunocompromised patients most disease is mucocutaneous, extension to internal organs, such as esophagus, or dissemination, can also occur. […] HSV is present intermittently on skin or mucosa in between symptomatic recurrences. This phenomenon, defined as asymptomatic or subclinical shedding, has been described since the early clinical descriptions of genital herpes. However, the frequency, pattern, and the importance of subclinical shedding for transmission of HSV have only recently been elucidated. […] The rate of HSV-2 acquisition among persons at risk varies from a high of 8.6 per 100 person-years for women, to a low of 2.7 per 100 person-years among men. These studies have also shown that women are at 2-to-6 fold higher risk for HSV-2 acquisition than men; prior infection with HSV-1 does not protect against HSV-2 acquisition; symptoms of first episode HSV-2 infection are less prominent among those with previous HSV-1 infection; frequent sexual activity is a risk factor for HSV-2 transmission, and HSV-2 is transmitted more easily than HSV-1 infection.
- #39 Epidemiology of herpes simplex – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_herpes_simplex
The epidemiology of herpes simplex is of substantial epidemiologic and public health interest. Worldwide, the rate of infection with herpes simplex virus counting both HSV-1 and HSV-2 is around 90%. […] Although many people infected with HSV develop labial or genital lesions (herpes simplex), the majority are either undiagnosed or display no physical symptoms individuals with no symptoms are described as asymptomatic or as having subclinical herpes. […] Many studies have been performed around the world to estimate the numbers of individuals infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2 by determining if they have developed antibodies against either viral species. […] This information provides population prevalence of HSV viral infections in individuals with or without active disease. […] Note that there are population subgroups that are more vulnerable for HSV infections, such as cancer chemotherapy patients.
- #40 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Herpes simplex viruses are among the most ubiquitous of human infections. The frequency of HSV infection has been measured by testing various populations for the presence of antibody, as both virus and the immune response are thought to persist after infection for the life of the host. Worldwide, 90% of people have one or both viruses. HSV-1 is the more prevalent virus, with 65% of persons in the United States having antibodies to HSV-1. The epidemiology in Europe is similar, with at least half of the population seropositive for HSV-1. In the developing world, HSV-1 is almost universal, and usually acquired from intimate contact with family in early childhood. After childhood, the HSV-1 prevalence rates increase minimally with age. Rates of HSV-1 infection are similar for men and women. In the United States, African-Americans and Asians have higher rates of HSV-1 infection than whites. The majority of infections are oral, although most are asymptomatic. Some data suggest that in developed countries, acquisition of HSV-1 is delayed from early childhood to adolescence or young adulthood.
- #41 Genital herpes – MN Dept. of Healthhttps://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/herpes/genitalherpes.html
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI) caused by a common virus called herpes simplex. Over 50 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) have been infected, although some do not develop any symptoms. […] Genital herpes is spread through vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, contact with infected person’s lesions, and from infected mother to newborn. […] Viral shedding may occur in the absence of blisters, so transmission is possible when lesions are absent. Most transmission occurs in absence of sores. […] Genital herpes can spread to sex partners. […] Genital herpes and pregnancy: Most pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes deliver normal infants. […] Risk is highest for infants born to mothers who have first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy.
- #42 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Immunosuppression, regardless of etiology, is associated with greater risk of HSV reactivation, prolonged viral shedding and more severe clinical recurrences. While even in severely immunocompromised patients most disease is mucocutaneous, extension to internal organs, such as esophagus, or dissemination, can also occur. […] HSV is present intermittently on skin or mucosa in between symptomatic recurrences. This phenomenon, defined as asymptomatic or subclinical shedding, has been described since the early clinical descriptions of genital herpes. However, the frequency, pattern, and the importance of subclinical shedding for transmission of HSV have only recently been elucidated. […] The rate of HSV-2 acquisition among persons at risk varies from a high of 8.6 per 100 person-years for women, to a low of 2.7 per 100 person-years among men. These studies have also shown that women are at 2-to-6 fold higher risk for HSV-2 acquisition than men; prior infection with HSV-1 does not protect against HSV-2 acquisition; symptoms of first episode HSV-2 infection are less prominent among those with previous HSV-1 infection; frequent sexual activity is a risk factor for HSV-2 transmission, and HSV-2 is transmitted more easily than HSV-1 infection.
- #43 Genital herpes – MN Dept. of Healthhttps://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/herpes/genitalherpes.html
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI) caused by a common virus called herpes simplex. Over 50 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) have been infected, although some do not develop any symptoms. […] Genital herpes is spread through vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, contact with infected person’s lesions, and from infected mother to newborn. […] Viral shedding may occur in the absence of blisters, so transmission is possible when lesions are absent. Most transmission occurs in absence of sores. […] Genital herpes can spread to sex partners. […] Genital herpes and pregnancy: Most pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes deliver normal infants. […] Risk is highest for infants born to mothers who have first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy.
- #44https://journals.lww.com/co-infectiousdiseases/abstract/1993/02000/epidemiology_and_diagnosis_of_genital_herpes.5.aspx
Among persons with herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, approximately 75% are asymptomatic and can be identified only by serologic testing with type-specific assays. […] In epidemiologic studies, type-specific serologic assays have been used prospectively to study risk factors for the transmission of genital herpes in heterosexual couples, to identify couples at unsuspected risk for transmission of genital herpes during pregnancy, and to assess the role of genital herpes as a risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus infection in heterosexuals.
- #45 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour, congenital and neonatal herpes infections. […] The risk of neonatal infection varies from 30% to 50% for HSV infections that onset in late pregnancy (last trimester), whereas early pregnancy infection carries a risk of about 1%. […] Transmission of HSV from mother to foetus during pregnancy is uncommon; about 85% of perinatal transmission occurs during the intrapartum period. […] Moreover, studies in HIV-infected pregnant women show that co-infection with HSV increases significantly the risk of perinatal HIV transmission above all in women who had a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes during pregnancy. […] The disease transmission to the newborn is dependent on the type of maternal genital infection at the time of delivery.
- #46 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour, congenital and neonatal herpes infections. […] The risk of neonatal infection varies from 30% to 50% for HSV infections that onset in late pregnancy (last trimester), whereas early pregnancy infection carries a risk of about 1%. […] Transmission of HSV from mother to foetus during pregnancy is uncommon; about 85% of perinatal transmission occurs during the intrapartum period. […] Moreover, studies in HIV-infected pregnant women show that co-infection with HSV increases significantly the risk of perinatal HIV transmission above all in women who had a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes during pregnancy. […] The disease transmission to the newborn is dependent on the type of maternal genital infection at the time of delivery.
- #47 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour, congenital and neonatal herpes infections. […] The risk of neonatal infection varies from 30% to 50% for HSV infections that onset in late pregnancy (last trimester), whereas early pregnancy infection carries a risk of about 1%. […] Transmission of HSV from mother to foetus during pregnancy is uncommon; about 85% of perinatal transmission occurs during the intrapartum period. […] Moreover, studies in HIV-infected pregnant women show that co-infection with HSV increases significantly the risk of perinatal HIV transmission above all in women who had a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes during pregnancy. […] The disease transmission to the newborn is dependent on the type of maternal genital infection at the time of delivery.
- #48 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
Neonatal herpes is much more frequent (50%) in babies from mothers with a primary HSV infection respect to babies from mothers with recurrent HSV infection (3%). […] However, most neonatal HSV infections (about 70%) result from exposure to asymptomatic genital HSV infection in the mother near delivery. […] The prolonged rupture of membranes is a risk marker for acquisition of neonatal infection. […] Women with active genital lesion at the time of labor usually have their infants delivered by caesarean section. […] The clinical presentation of infants with neonatal HSV infection, that is almost invariably symptomatic and frequently lethal, is a direct reflection of the site and extent of viral replication. […] Despite the availability of antiviral drugs for treatment of neonatal HSV infections, the outcome remains poor, particularly for babies with disseminated multi-organ infections or manifestations of CNS.
- #49 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
Neonatal herpes is much more frequent (50%) in babies from mothers with a primary HSV infection respect to babies from mothers with recurrent HSV infection (3%). […] However, most neonatal HSV infections (about 70%) result from exposure to asymptomatic genital HSV infection in the mother near delivery. […] The prolonged rupture of membranes is a risk marker for acquisition of neonatal infection. […] Women with active genital lesion at the time of labor usually have their infants delivered by caesarean section. […] The clinical presentation of infants with neonatal HSV infection, that is almost invariably symptomatic and frequently lethal, is a direct reflection of the site and extent of viral replication. […] Despite the availability of antiviral drugs for treatment of neonatal HSV infections, the outcome remains poor, particularly for babies with disseminated multi-organ infections or manifestations of CNS.
- #50https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
An estimated 520 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes. […] An estimated 205 million people aged 15-49 (5.3%) experienced at least one symptomatic episode of genital herpes in 2020. […] Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 520 million (13%) people aged 15-49 years worldwide (2020 data). […] The majority of these people (92%) had symptoms related to HSV-2 infection. HSV-2 is much more likely than genital HSV-1 infection to cause recurrent symptoms. […] HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection by approximately three-fold. […] People with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing. […] Preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.
- #51 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
The advent of the HIV epidemic initially eclipsed HSV-2 as a viral sexually transmitted disease of importance, but recent data have increasingly showed multiple interactions between the two viral infections. The development of molecular diagnostics has revealed that HSV-2 is the most common etiologic agent of genital ulcers in the developed and developing world. Even in regions in which syphilis and chancroid have been historically considered responsible for most genital ulcerations, the use of PCR-based techniques has clearly shown a predominance of HSV. In almost all studies, and in all populations, having HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition. The mechanism probably involves both HSV-2 induced skin or mucosal ulcerations, as well as influx of CD4+ cells into the herpetic lesions, cells that provide receptor for entry of HIV.
- #52https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
An estimated 520 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes. […] An estimated 205 million people aged 15-49 (5.3%) experienced at least one symptomatic episode of genital herpes in 2020. […] Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 520 million (13%) people aged 15-49 years worldwide (2020 data). […] The majority of these people (92%) had symptoms related to HSV-2 infection. HSV-2 is much more likely than genital HSV-1 infection to cause recurrent symptoms. […] HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection by approximately three-fold. […] People with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing. […] Preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.
- #53https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
WHO recommends that people with symptoms of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing and if needed, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. […] WHO works to increase awareness about genital herpes infections and related symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote related HIV prevention efforts. […] Earlier this year, a new study showed that genital herpes infections not only cause significant health impacts but also major economic costs amounting to an estimated US $35 billion a year worldwide through health care expenditures and productivity loss.
- #54 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour, congenital and neonatal herpes infections. […] The risk of neonatal infection varies from 30% to 50% for HSV infections that onset in late pregnancy (last trimester), whereas early pregnancy infection carries a risk of about 1%. […] Transmission of HSV from mother to foetus during pregnancy is uncommon; about 85% of perinatal transmission occurs during the intrapartum period. […] Moreover, studies in HIV-infected pregnant women show that co-infection with HSV increases significantly the risk of perinatal HIV transmission above all in women who had a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes during pregnancy. […] The disease transmission to the newborn is dependent on the type of maternal genital infection at the time of delivery.
- #55 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
The advent of the HIV epidemic initially eclipsed HSV-2 as a viral sexually transmitted disease of importance, but recent data have increasingly showed multiple interactions between the two viral infections. The development of molecular diagnostics has revealed that HSV-2 is the most common etiologic agent of genital ulcers in the developed and developing world. Even in regions in which syphilis and chancroid have been historically considered responsible for most genital ulcerations, the use of PCR-based techniques has clearly shown a predominance of HSV. In almost all studies, and in all populations, having HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition. The mechanism probably involves both HSV-2 induced skin or mucosal ulcerations, as well as influx of CD4+ cells into the herpetic lesions, cells that provide receptor for entry of HIV.
- #56 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
The advent of the HIV epidemic initially eclipsed HSV-2 as a viral sexually transmitted disease of importance, but recent data have increasingly showed multiple interactions between the two viral infections. The development of molecular diagnostics has revealed that HSV-2 is the most common etiologic agent of genital ulcers in the developed and developing world. Even in regions in which syphilis and chancroid have been historically considered responsible for most genital ulcerations, the use of PCR-based techniques has clearly shown a predominance of HSV. In almost all studies, and in all populations, having HSV-2 infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition. The mechanism probably involves both HSV-2 induced skin or mucosal ulcerations, as well as influx of CD4+ cells into the herpetic lesions, cells that provide receptor for entry of HIV.
- #57 JLE – European Journal of Dermatology – Epidemiology of genital herpes â recent advanceshttps://www.jle.com/en/revues/ejd/e-docs/epidemiology_of_genital_herpes_recent_advances_100105/article.phtml
Patients ignorance of their diagnosis along with the occurrence of atypical symptomatology and asymptomatic viral shedding of HSV all contribute to the transmission of genital herpes. […] Genital ulcer disease, of which genital herpes is the most common cause in developed countries, is an important risk factor in the acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and has contributed to the spread of this disorder. […] Risk factors for genital herpes HSV-2 are strongly related to lifetime number of sexual partners, number of years of sexual activity, male homosexuality, black race, female gender and a history of previous sexually transmitted diseases (STD). […] Understanding the epidemiology of genital herpes is of great importance in limiting the spread of this STD. […] In this review, we summarise current knowledge related to the epidemiology of genital herpes.
- #58 EPIDEMIOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND DIAGNOSIShttps://guidelines.stief.org.nz/herpes-epidemiology-transmission-diagnosis
Only one-third of individuals appear to develop symptoms at the time of acquisition of infection with HSV-2. Approximately 20% of people that are serologically positive for HSV-2 have been diagnosed as having genital herpes, most people with HSV-2 are asymptomatic or don’t recognise their symptoms as genital herpes. Individuals with HSV-2 will, on average, experience approximately four clinical recurrences a year.
- #59 EPIDEMIOLOGY, TRANSMISSION, AND DIAGNOSIShttps://guidelines.stief.org.nz/herpes-epidemiology-transmission-diagnosis
Only one-third of individuals appear to develop symptoms at the time of acquisition of infection with HSV-2. Approximately 20% of people that are serologically positive for HSV-2 have been diagnosed as having genital herpes, most people with HSV-2 are asymptomatic or don’t recognise their symptoms as genital herpes. Individuals with HSV-2 will, on average, experience approximately four clinical recurrences a year.
- #60 JLE – European Journal of Dermatology – Epidemiology of genital herpes â recent advanceshttps://www.jle.com/en/revues/ejd/e-docs/epidemiology_of_genital_herpes_recent_advances_100105/article.phtml
Patients ignorance of their diagnosis along with the occurrence of atypical symptomatology and asymptomatic viral shedding of HSV all contribute to the transmission of genital herpes. […] Genital ulcer disease, of which genital herpes is the most common cause in developed countries, is an important risk factor in the acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and has contributed to the spread of this disorder. […] Risk factors for genital herpes HSV-2 are strongly related to lifetime number of sexual partners, number of years of sexual activity, male homosexuality, black race, female gender and a history of previous sexually transmitted diseases (STD). […] Understanding the epidemiology of genital herpes is of great importance in limiting the spread of this STD. […] In this review, we summarise current knowledge related to the epidemiology of genital herpes.
- #61 Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients – Biomedical and Pharmacology Journalhttps://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/prevalence-of-genital-herpes-insights-from-outpatient-clinic-patients/
High rates are also observed in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a high prevalence of HIV with up to 80% of HIV-positive teenagers from South Africa being seropositive for HSV-2, as well as 20% of their corresponding healthy controls. […] The average HSV-2 seropositivity rate among antenatal clinic attendees in Africa was 40%, while the prevalence was 60-95% amongst female sex workers, especially those from sub-Saharan districts. […] Most incident genital herpes infections do not present as recognized clinical syndromes but rather are experienced as subclinical or unrecognized. […] Indeed, asymptomatic infection is perhaps the most important factor in maintaining virus circulation; many cases of genital herpes are transmitted by individuals who have no clinical awareness of their infected status.
- #62 Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2: Epidemiology and management options in the developing world. – GOV.UKhttps://www.gov.uk/research-for-development-outputs/herpes-simplex-virus-type-2-epidemiology-and-management-options-in-the-developing-world
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.
- #63 Eurosurveillance | Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of genital herpes in eastern European countrieshttps://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/ese.15.44.19703-en?crawler=true
These guidelines aim to provide comprehensive information about sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and its laboratory diagnosis in eastern European countries. […] In particular, the guidelines recommend: (i) either viral culture or validated and approved nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) as the tests of choice for symptomatic patients, which should be promoted for laboratory confirmation of HSV infection; […] (iii) only type-specific serology should be used for detecting asymptomatic individuals, testing pregnant women at risk of acquiring HSV infection close to delivery, men who have sex with men and people who are HIV positive; […] (v) any non-validated diagnostic tests should be validated against a recommended, approved gold standard.
- #64 Eurosurveillance | Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of genital herpes in eastern European countrieshttps://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/ese.15.44.19703-en?crawler=true
These guidelines aim to provide comprehensive information about sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and its laboratory diagnosis in eastern European countries. […] In particular, the guidelines recommend: (i) either viral culture or validated and approved nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) as the tests of choice for symptomatic patients, which should be promoted for laboratory confirmation of HSV infection; […] (iii) only type-specific serology should be used for detecting asymptomatic individuals, testing pregnant women at risk of acquiring HSV infection close to delivery, men who have sex with men and people who are HIV positive; […] (v) any non-validated diagnostic tests should be validated against a recommended, approved gold standard.
- #65https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
According to the estimates, 520 million people in 2020 had genital HSV-2, which is transmitted during sexual activity. […] From a public health perspective, genital HSV-2 is more serious since it is substantially more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounts for around 90% of symptomatic episodes, and is linked to a three-fold increased risk of getting HIV. […] Some 376 million people are estimated to have had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020. […] While the 2020 estimates show virtually no difference in the prevalence of genital HSV-2 compared to 2016, estimated genital HSV-1 infections are higher. […] Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, and their equitable use, could play a critical role in improving quality of life for people around the world.
- #66 JLE – European Journal of Dermatology – Epidemiology of genital herpes â recent advanceshttps://www.jle.com/en/revues/ejd/e-docs/epidemiology_of_genital_herpes_recent_advances_100105/article.phtml
Genital herpes is a common, distressing infection which, due to increasing incidence world-wide, has become a prominent public health issue over recent years, even throughout the decade of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). […] Since the late 1970s, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection has increased by approximately 30 percent in the US. […] The number of sufferers world-wide is currently estimated at approximately 86 million people. […] New serological methods based on the detection of type-specific antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins have clarified issues concerning the true incidence of genital herpes, the modifying effect of prior HSV-1 infections, the changing proportions of HSV-1 genital herpes, and the importance of asymptomatic shedding.
- #67 Products – Data Briefs – Number 304 – February 2018https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm
Age-adjusted prevalence was highest among non-Hispanic black persons (34.6%) and lowest among non-Hispanic Asian persons (3.8%). […] Age-adjusted prevalence of HSV-2 decreased linearly over time by 5.9 percentage points, from 18.0% in 19992000 to 12.1% in 20152016. […] During 20152016, the prevalence of HSV-1 was 47.8% and of HSV-2 was 11.9% among those aged 1449. Prevalence of both viruses was higher among females than males and increased linearly with age. […] From 1999 through 2016, there was a significant decline in the age-standardized prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. […] This report provides the latest estimates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 prevalence in the United States.
- #68 Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the United States: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions.https://vivo.weill.cornell.edu/display/pubid39224512
This study aimed to analytically describe the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in the United States through a systematic review and meta-analytics. We reviewed 159 publications, identifying 190 seroprevalence measures and 43 proportions of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes. The pooled mean HSV-1 seroprevalence was 38.0% (95% CI: 30.9-45.4) among general-population children and 63.5% (95% CI: 61.3-65.7) among general-population adults. […] The pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes was 15.4% (95% CI: 10.8-20.6), increasing by 1.02-fold (95% CI: 1.00-1.04) per year. […] The epidemiology of HSV-1 is shifting, marked by a decline in oral acquisition during childhood and an increase in genital acquisition during adulthood.
- #69 Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and genital herpes in Australia and New Zealand: systematic review, meta-analyses and meta-regressions – PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36750224/
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a lifelong infection that is acquired primarily orally and during childhood. We aimed to characterise HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand. HSV-1-related data as recent as 6 December 2021 were systematically reviewed, synthesised and reported, following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled mean seroprevalence and proportions of HSV-1 detection in genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Meta-regressions were also conducted. HSV-1 measures were retrieved from 21 eligible publications. Extracted HSV-1 measures included 13 overall seroprevalence measures (27 stratified) in Australia, four overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in clinically diagnosed GUD (four stratified) in Australia, and ten overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in laboratory-confirmed genital herpes (26 stratified) in Australia and New Zealand. Pooled mean seroprevalence among healthy adults in Australia was 84.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74.3-93.1%). Pooled mean seroprevalence was 70.2% (95% CI 47.4-88.7%) among individuals 35 years of age and 86.9% (95% CI 79.3-93.0%) among individuals 35 years. Seroprevalence increased by 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.10) per year. Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in GUD was 8.2% (95% CI 0.4-22.9%). Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes was 30.5% (95% CI 23.3-38.3%), and was highest in young individuals. Proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes increased by 1.04-fold (95% CI 1.00-1.08) per year. Included studies showed heterogeneity, but 30% of the heterogeneity in seroprevalence and 42% of the heterogeneity in proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes were explained in terms of epidemiological factors. HSV-1 seroprevalence is higher in Australia than in other Western countries. HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand appears to be transitioning towards less oral acquisition in childhood, but more genital acquisition among youth.
- #70 Herpes virus seroepidemiology in the adult Swedish population | Immunity & Ageing | Full Texthttps://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12979-017-0093-4
Prevalence of HSV1 was 79.4%, HSV2 12.9%, CMV 83.2%, VZV 97.9%, and HHV6 97.5%. […] Women are more often seropositive for HHV, especially HSV2. […] Age-adjusted seroprevalence for HSV was lower in later birth cohorts indicating a decreasing childhood and adolescent risk of infection. […] The yearly incidence of HSV infection was estimated at 14.0/1000. […] The birth cohort effect, giving lower age-specific anti-HSV IgG prevalence in later birth cohorts, is illustrated in Fig. 1 showing HSV IgG seroprevalence in relation to age in two temporally separated study cohorts (S1T1: 1988-1990 and S5T4: 2003-2005). […] By analysis of longitudinal samples, the HSV incidence was calculated at 14.0/1000 PY in this population and this incidence rate explains approximately one third of the increase in prevalence by age. […] The remaining increase can be attributed to year of birth differences in the sub-cohorts, in that later sub-cohorts have a lower prevalence.
- #71 Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and genital herpes in Australia and New Zealand: systematic review, meta-analyses and meta-regressions – PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36750224/
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a lifelong infection that is acquired primarily orally and during childhood. We aimed to characterise HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand. HSV-1-related data as recent as 6 December 2021 were systematically reviewed, synthesised and reported, following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled mean seroprevalence and proportions of HSV-1 detection in genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Meta-regressions were also conducted. HSV-1 measures were retrieved from 21 eligible publications. Extracted HSV-1 measures included 13 overall seroprevalence measures (27 stratified) in Australia, four overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in clinically diagnosed GUD (four stratified) in Australia, and ten overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in laboratory-confirmed genital herpes (26 stratified) in Australia and New Zealand. Pooled mean seroprevalence among healthy adults in Australia was 84.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74.3-93.1%). Pooled mean seroprevalence was 70.2% (95% CI 47.4-88.7%) among individuals 35 years of age and 86.9% (95% CI 79.3-93.0%) among individuals 35 years. Seroprevalence increased by 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.10) per year. Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in GUD was 8.2% (95% CI 0.4-22.9%). Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes was 30.5% (95% CI 23.3-38.3%), and was highest in young individuals. Proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes increased by 1.04-fold (95% CI 1.00-1.08) per year. Included studies showed heterogeneity, but 30% of the heterogeneity in seroprevalence and 42% of the heterogeneity in proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes were explained in terms of epidemiological factors. HSV-1 seroprevalence is higher in Australia than in other Western countries. HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand appears to be transitioning towards less oral acquisition in childhood, but more genital acquisition among youth.
- #72 Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and genital herpes in Australia and New Zealand: systematic review, meta-analyses and meta-regressions – PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36750224/
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a lifelong infection that is acquired primarily orally and during childhood. We aimed to characterise HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand. HSV-1-related data as recent as 6 December 2021 were systematically reviewed, synthesised and reported, following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled mean seroprevalence and proportions of HSV-1 detection in genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Meta-regressions were also conducted. HSV-1 measures were retrieved from 21 eligible publications. Extracted HSV-1 measures included 13 overall seroprevalence measures (27 stratified) in Australia, four overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in clinically diagnosed GUD (four stratified) in Australia, and ten overall proportions of HSV-1 detection in laboratory-confirmed genital herpes (26 stratified) in Australia and New Zealand. Pooled mean seroprevalence among healthy adults in Australia was 84.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 74.3-93.1%). Pooled mean seroprevalence was 70.2% (95% CI 47.4-88.7%) among individuals 35 years of age and 86.9% (95% CI 79.3-93.0%) among individuals 35 years. Seroprevalence increased by 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.10) per year. Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in GUD was 8.2% (95% CI 0.4-22.9%). Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes was 30.5% (95% CI 23.3-38.3%), and was highest in young individuals. Proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes increased by 1.04-fold (95% CI 1.00-1.08) per year. Included studies showed heterogeneity, but 30% of the heterogeneity in seroprevalence and 42% of the heterogeneity in proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes were explained in terms of epidemiological factors. HSV-1 seroprevalence is higher in Australia than in other Western countries. HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand appears to be transitioning towards less oral acquisition in childhood, but more genital acquisition among youth.
- #73 STI & HIV 2023 World Congresshttps://stihiv2023.eventscribe.net/ajaxcalls/PosterInfo.asp?PosterID=585906
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a lifelong infection that is acquired primarily orally and during childhood. We aimed to characterize HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand. […] Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes was 30.5% (95% CI: 23.3-38.3%), and was highest in young individuals. […] HSV-1 seroprevalence is higher in Australia than in other Western countries. HSV-1 epidemiology in Australia and New Zealand appears to be transitioning toward less oral acquisition in childhood, but more genital acquisition among youth.
- #74 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Genital herpes is often associated with psychosocial distress, caused by having an incurable STD, stigma of having such disease, and anxiety about resuming normal sexual life after acquisition. The distress is usually greater among women than men and in many persons it surpasses the physical discomfort caused by the infection. Over time, most people adjust to living with herpes, although recurrences of depression and feelings of worthlessness tend to return during recurrences. […] The frequency of neonatal herpes varies by region and is estimated to occur from 1 in 3200 to 1 in 15 000 pregnancies. Reasons for the variant frequency are poorly understood but are likely to result from interplay between sexual behavior in the population and the baseline prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Over 85% of neonatal herpes is acquired from intrapartum exposure of the newborn to infected maternal secretions.
- #75 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Genital herpes is often associated with psychosocial distress, caused by having an incurable STD, stigma of having such disease, and anxiety about resuming normal sexual life after acquisition. The distress is usually greater among women than men and in many persons it surpasses the physical discomfort caused by the infection. Over time, most people adjust to living with herpes, although recurrences of depression and feelings of worthlessness tend to return during recurrences. […] The frequency of neonatal herpes varies by region and is estimated to occur from 1 in 3200 to 1 in 15 000 pregnancies. Reasons for the variant frequency are poorly understood but are likely to result from interplay between sexual behavior in the population and the baseline prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Over 85% of neonatal herpes is acquired from intrapartum exposure of the newborn to infected maternal secretions.
- #76https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
WHO recommends that people with symptoms of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing and if needed, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. […] WHO works to increase awareness about genital herpes infections and related symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote related HIV prevention efforts. […] Earlier this year, a new study showed that genital herpes infections not only cause significant health impacts but also major economic costs amounting to an estimated US $35 billion a year worldwide through health care expenditures and productivity loss.
- #77 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Genital herpes is often associated with psychosocial distress, caused by having an incurable STD, stigma of having such disease, and anxiety about resuming normal sexual life after acquisition. The distress is usually greater among women than men and in many persons it surpasses the physical discomfort caused by the infection. Over time, most people adjust to living with herpes, although recurrences of depression and feelings of worthlessness tend to return during recurrences. […] The frequency of neonatal herpes varies by region and is estimated to occur from 1 in 3200 to 1 in 15 000 pregnancies. Reasons for the variant frequency are poorly understood but are likely to result from interplay between sexual behavior in the population and the baseline prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Over 85% of neonatal herpes is acquired from intrapartum exposure of the newborn to infected maternal secretions.
- #78 Persistence in the population: epidemiology, transmission – Human Herpesviruses – NCBI Bookshelfhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK47447/
Genital herpes is often associated with psychosocial distress, caused by having an incurable STD, stigma of having such disease, and anxiety about resuming normal sexual life after acquisition. The distress is usually greater among women than men and in many persons it surpasses the physical discomfort caused by the infection. Over time, most people adjust to living with herpes, although recurrences of depression and feelings of worthlessness tend to return during recurrences. […] The frequency of neonatal herpes varies by region and is estimated to occur from 1 in 3200 to 1 in 15 000 pregnancies. Reasons for the variant frequency are poorly understood but are likely to result from interplay between sexual behavior in the population and the baseline prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Over 85% of neonatal herpes is acquired from intrapartum exposure of the newborn to infected maternal secretions.
- #79 Genital herpes guide: Etiology and epidemiology – Canada.cahttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/herpes-simplex-virus/etiology-epidemiology.html
In studies conducted in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, cultures performed on samples taken from lesions of genital herpes indicated that more than 50% of infections were due to HSV-1. […] In Canada, from 2000 to 2003, the incidence of neonatal HSV was 5.9 per 100,000 live births; 62.5% of cases were attributable to HSV-1.
- #80 Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention | Virology Journal | Full Texthttps://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-422X-6-40
Neonatal herpes is much more frequent (50%) in babies from mothers with a primary HSV infection respect to babies from mothers with recurrent HSV infection (3%). […] However, most neonatal HSV infections (about 70%) result from exposure to asymptomatic genital HSV infection in the mother near delivery. […] The prolonged rupture of membranes is a risk marker for acquisition of neonatal infection. […] Women with active genital lesion at the time of labor usually have their infants delivered by caesarean section. […] The clinical presentation of infants with neonatal HSV infection, that is almost invariably symptomatic and frequently lethal, is a direct reflection of the site and extent of viral replication. […] Despite the availability of antiviral drugs for treatment of neonatal HSV infections, the outcome remains poor, particularly for babies with disseminated multi-organ infections or manifestations of CNS.
- #81https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
WHO recommends that people with symptoms of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing and if needed, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. […] WHO works to increase awareness about genital herpes infections and related symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote related HIV prevention efforts. […] Earlier this year, a new study showed that genital herpes infections not only cause significant health impacts but also major economic costs amounting to an estimated US $35 billion a year worldwide through health care expenditures and productivity loss.
- #82 Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients – Biomedical and Pharmacology Journalhttps://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/prevalence-of-genital-herpes-insights-from-outpatient-clinic-patients/
The seroprevalence was found higher among males than females in this study, consistent with previous reports. […] We also found an even higher seroprevalence among single patients than married ones again, in line with studies from the United States. […] Public awareness and information on genital herpes, the many ways by which it may be transmitted and its public health importance based on high seroprevalence of HSV-2 in this study is necessary.
- #83 Genital Herpeshttps://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/diseases/genital-herpes.html
Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores in many adults and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. […] It is crucial that pregnant women infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 go to prenatal care visits and tell their doctor if they have ever experienced any symptoms of, been exposed to, or been diagnosed with genital herpes. […] The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
- #84 Genital Herpeshttps://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/genital-herpes.html
Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores in many adults and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. […] It is crucial that pregnant women infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 go to prenatal care visits and tell their doctor if they have ever experienced any symptoms of, been exposed to, or been diagnosed with genital herpes. […] Genital herpes can cause sores or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (lining of the mouth, vagina, and rectum). The genital sores caused by herpes can bleed easily. When the sores come into contact with the mouth, vagina or rectum during sex, they increase the risk of HIV transmission if either partner is HIV-infected. […] Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes, because herpes symptoms can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. However, outbreaks can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.
- #85https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
WHO recommends that people with symptoms of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing and if needed, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. […] WHO works to increase awareness about genital herpes infections and related symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote related HIV prevention efforts. […] Earlier this year, a new study showed that genital herpes infections not only cause significant health impacts but also major economic costs amounting to an estimated US $35 billion a year worldwide through health care expenditures and productivity loss.
- #86 Herpes simplex infectionsExternal LinkExternal LinkExternal LinkExternal Linkhttps://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/herpes-simplex-infections
Everyone is susceptible to infection. The disease does not usually confer protective immunity because the virus tends to become latent in dorsal root ganglia of the spine, where it may be reactivated at a later date. […] No vaccine is currently available. […] Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse decreases the risk of infection. […] Preventive antiviral medication (suppressive therapy) when recurrences are frequent can reduce the risk of transmission.
- #87https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally according to new estimates released today. […] At least 1 person each second 42 million people annually is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection. […] According to the estimates, more than 200 million people aged 15 to 49 suffered at least one such symptomatic episode in 2020. […] The authors of the study, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, say that new treatments and vaccines are needed to reduce adverse health effects of the herpes virus and control its spread. […] Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV.
- #88https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally according to new estimates released today. […] At least 1 person each second 42 million people annually is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection. […] According to the estimates, more than 200 million people aged 15 to 49 suffered at least one such symptomatic episode in 2020. […] The authors of the study, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, say that new treatments and vaccines are needed to reduce adverse health effects of the herpes virus and control its spread. […] Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV.
- #89https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2024-over-1-in-5-adults-worldwide-has-a-genital-herpes-infection-who
According to the estimates, 520 million people in 2020 had genital HSV-2, which is transmitted during sexual activity. […] From a public health perspective, genital HSV-2 is more serious since it is substantially more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounts for around 90% of symptomatic episodes, and is linked to a three-fold increased risk of getting HIV. […] Some 376 million people are estimated to have had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020. […] While the 2020 estimates show virtually no difference in the prevalence of genital HSV-2 compared to 2016, estimated genital HSV-1 infections are higher. […] Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, and their equitable use, could play a critical role in improving quality of life for people around the world.