Bibbins-Domingo
K, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al. Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes
Importance:
Genital
herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States,
occurring in almost 1 in 6 persons aged 14 to 49 years. Infection is caused by
2 subtypes of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2. Antiviral
medications may provide symptomatic relief from outbreaks but do not cure HSV
infection. Neonatal herpes infection, while uncommon, can result in substantial
morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To update the 2005 US Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) recommendation on screening for genital herpes.
Evidence
Review: The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the
accuracy, benefits, and harms of serologic screening for HSV-2 infection in
asymptomatic persons, including those who are pregnant, as well as the
effectiveness and harms of preventive medications and behavioral counseling
interventions to reduce future symptomatic episodes and transmission to others.
Findings: Based on the natural history of HSV infection, its
epidemiology, and the available evidence on the accuracy of serologic screening
tests, the USPSTF concluded that the harms outweigh the benefits of serologic
screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults,
including those who are pregnant.
Conclusions
and Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends against routine
serologic screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and
adults, including those who are pregnant. (D recommendation).
