Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus: Transmission, Diagnosis, and Considerations in Pregnancy Management

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are frequently asymptomatic or undiagnosed, but more than half the US population is seropositive for HSV, and about one-fifth are positive for HSV-2. These two factors contribute to the risk for sexual transmission and therefore to the risk of late-pregn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of midwifery & women's health 2008-05, Vol.53 (3), p.202-208
Main Author: Kriebs, Jan M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiviral Agents - administration & dosage
Diagnosis
Disease transmission
Female
genital herpes
Herpes Simplex - diagnosis
Herpes Simplex - epidemiology
Herpes Simplex - therapy
Herpes Simplex - transmission
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes viruses
Herpesvirus 1, Human
Herpesvirus 2, Human
Humans
Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical - prevention & control
Medical diagnosis
Nursing
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - diagnosis
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - epidemiology
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - therapy
Risk factors
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral - diagnosis
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral - epidemiology
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral - therapy
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral - transmission
United States - epidemiology
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Summary:Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are frequently asymptomatic or undiagnosed, but more than half the US population is seropositive for HSV, and about one-fifth are positive for HSV-2. These two factors contribute to the risk for sexual transmission and therefore to the risk of late-pregnancy acquisition of HSV. Most neonatal herpes infections are the result of undiagnosed, new-onset HSV infection in the mother. This article reviews the epidemiology of HSV, risks of transmission, and testing and management of HSV during pregnancy. Options for evaluation and management are presented.
ISSN:1526-9523
1542-2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.01.010