JAMA Clinical Reviews
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Genital Herpes
Aug 14, 2024
Christine Johnston, MD, an expert in herpes infections from the University of Washington, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, JAMA Deputy Editor, delve into the complexities of genital herpes. They discuss the prevalence and transmission risks associated with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Key topics include the importance of accurate diagnosis, effective treatment options, and the significant stigma that impacts patients' lives. They emphasize the need for improved awareness and understanding to enhance patient care and outcomes.
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Quick takeaways
- Genital herpes, caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2, remains asymptomatic in many cases, highlighting the infection's stealthy nature and prevalence.
- Effective treatment options like antiviral medications exist, yet suppressive therapy is often underutilized due to patient unawareness and stigma around the condition.
Deep dives
Understanding Genital Herpes Infections
Genital herpes, primarily caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), has seen a shift in the understanding of its types and prevalence. While HSV1 was traditionally linked to oral infections and HSV2 to genital infections, it is now recognized that genital HSV1 is also a significant cause of genital herpes, affecting millions in the US. In 2018, approximately 18.6 million people were estimated to be living with genital HSV2 infection, with many more carrying HSV1. Interestingly, a majority of those infected remain asymptomatic, often unaware of their condition, which highlights the commonality and stealthy nature of this infection.
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