Recent advances in management of genital herpes.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an update on new diagnostic tests and antiviral strategies for managing genital herpes.


METHODS
Treatment guidelines are based on randomized clinical trials and recommendations from the Expert Working Group on Canadian Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Recommendations concerning other aspects of managing genital herpes (e.g., indications for using type-specific serologic tests) are mainly based on expert opinion.


RESULTS
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, affecting about 20% of sexually active people; up to 80% of cases are undiagnosed. Because of frequent atypical presentation and the emotional burden associated with genital herpes, clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by viral culture. Type-specific serologic assays are now available, but their use is often restricted to special situations and requires adequate counseling. New antivirals (valacyclovir and famciclovir) with improved pharmacokinetic profiles have now been approved for episodic treatment of recurrences and suppressive therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Wise use of new diagnostic assays for herpes simplex coupled with more convenient treatment regimens should provide better management of patients with genital herpes.
Tétrault
I
I
Laval University, Quebec City.
Boivin
G
G
D015075:2-Aminopurine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D000077595:Famciclovir; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009656:North America / Q000453:epidemiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015075:2-Aminopurine; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000077595:Famciclovir; D000212:Acyclovir