Recurrent herpes labialis and Herpes simplex virus-1 genitalis: what is the link?
BACKGROUND
Recently, Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 seroprevalence declined among adolescents, rendering young people lacking HSV-1 antibodies more susceptible to genital HSV-1 acquisition, if sexually exposed. The aim of the present study was to identify the possible risk factors for the development of HSV-1 related Herpes genitalis (HG).


METHODS
From January 2012 to December 2015, patients with HG attending three Sexually Transmitted Infections Units in Northern Italy were recruited. A genital swab on the lesions for the search of HSV-1/2 DNA through real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a serum sample for HSV-1/2 specific serology were performed. Moreover, patients were asked whether they had personal history of herpes labialis (HL). Patients with PCR proved HSV-1 HG were included as cases; asymptomatic subjects attending STI Units for a blood check were recruited as controls and were checked for HSV-1/2 serology.


RESULTS
The study included 141 cases and 70 controls. Specific HSV-1 antibodies were found in 34.7% of the cases and 67% of the controls. History of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) was found in 4% of the cases and 31% of the controls. The occurrence of RHL in HSV-1 seropositive patients resulted lower in the case group compared to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
We can speculate about a protective role for RHL against the clinical appearance of HSV-1 HG. The clinical usefulness of our study involved especially the counselling in serodiscordant couples. The presence of HSV-1 antibodies in asymptomatic sexual partners does appear protective for HG manifestation only in presence of RHL history.
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Center of Genital Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Sergio
S
Delmonte
Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Laboratory of Virology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy.|Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Francesca
F
Sidoti
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Center of Genital Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.|Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Simone
S
Ribero
Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Ivano
I
Dal Conte
Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Laboratory of Virology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy.|Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Antonio
A
Curtoni
Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy - giuliaciccarese@libero.it.
Giulia
G
Ciccarese
Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Center of Genital Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Elena
E
Stroppiana
Department of Infectious Diseases, Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy.
Maria L
ML
Stella
Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Laboratory of Virology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy.|Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Cristina
C
Costa
Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Laboratory of Virology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy.|Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Rossana
R
Cavallo
Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Alfredo
A
Rebora
Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, San Martino University Hospital IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Francesco
F
Drago
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D055815:Young Adult
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral