Diagnosis and Management of Genital Herpes: Key Questions and Review of the Evidence for the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines

Clin Infect Dis. 2022 Apr 13;74(Suppl_2):S134-S143. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab1056.

Abstract

Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2, is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI). Given that HSV is an incurable infection, there are important concerns about appropriate use of diagnostic tools, management of infection, prevention of transmission to sexual partners, and appropriate counseling. In preparation for updating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STI treatment guidelines, key questions for management of genital herpes infection were developed with a panel of experts. To answer these questions, a systematic literature review was performed, with tables of evidence including articles that would change guidance assembled. These data were used to inform recommendations in the 2021 CDC STI treatment guidelines.

Keywords: HSV-1; HSV-2; genital herpes; guidelines; herpes simplex virus.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Counseling
  • Female
  • Herpes Genitalis* / diagnosis
  • Herpes Genitalis* / drug therapy
  • Herpes Genitalis* / prevention & control
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • United States