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

G Paz-Bailey; M Ramaswamy; S J Hawkes; A M Geretti

doi:10.1136/sti.2006.020966

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> Volume 83, Issue 1
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Sex Transm Infect

2007;83:16-22 doi:10.1136/sti.2006.020966

Tropical medicine

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

¹Global AIDS Program for Central America National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
²Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
³Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital and Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK

Correspondence to:  Gabriela Paz-Bailey  Global AIDS Program, NCHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Unit 3321, APO AA, Miami, FL 34024, USA;gpbz{at}cdc.gov

Accepted 1 June 2006
Published Online First 10 November 2006

Abstract

Genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is highly prevalent worldwide and an increasingly important cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD). Continued HSV2 transmission is facilitated by the large number of undiagnosed cases, the frequency of atypical disease and the occurrence of asymptomatic shedding. The lack of easy, affordable diagnostic methods and specific antiviral treatment in countries with low and middle income is of great concern, given the ability of GUD to enhance HIV transmission and acquisition. With rising HSV2 prevalence contributing to an increase in the proportion of GUD attributed to genital herpes in high-HIV prevalence settings, a safe and effective HSV vaccine is urgently needed. Meanwhile, multifaceted interventions are required to improve recognition of genital herpes, to prevent its spread and also to prevent its potential to promote HIV transmission in developing countries.