title: The management of first episode genital herpes in genitourinary medicine clinics: a national audit in 2006.
abstract: A national audit of the management of first episode genital herpes (GH) was undertaken by non-consultant career grade doctors working in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in the United Kingdom. In total, 1620 data collection forms were completed (794 men and 826 women). Virus culture is the main detection method (1150, 71%), although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) use is increasing (442, 28%). PCR was significantly associated (P<0.0001) with fewer negative isolates (29/442, 6.6%) compared with virus culture (174/1150, 15%). Herpes simplex virus type 1 was isolated in 552 cases (46%). For 243 cases (15%), there was no evidence of counselling about GH. A total of 1355 (84%) were screened for other sexually transmitted infections. Serological testing for syphilis was undertaken in 72%. GU medicine clinics are managing first episode GH as broadly outlined in the guidelines. Areas identified for improvement are to increase counselling/written information/testing for syphilis towards 100%.
authors.affiliation: GUM Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. rachel@challenor.biz
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Challenor
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theobald
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pinsent
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mullan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006113:United Kingdom; D014776:Virus Cultivation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data