Modern management of genital ulcer disease-frappez fort et frappez vite.

摘要

Genital herpes infections, caused by herpes simplex viruses types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), are characterized by viral latency, asymptomatic shedding, blister formation and genital ulcer disease (GUD). Globally, HSV-2 is the predominant cause of genital herpes, although there has been a recent upsurge in genital HSV-1 infections in Europe and North America. Based on seroprevalence data, it was estimated that 536 million individuals of reproductive age were living with HSV-2 infection in 2003, the highest estimates being within sub-Saharan Africa and eastern Asia. Although genital herpes accounts for the majority of GUD worldwide, the global disease burden is more difficult to estimate as not all infections are symptomatic. Continued transmission of both HSV types is facilitated by the frequency of atypical disease, the occurrence of asymptomatic shedding and the large number of infected individuals who remain unaware of their diagnosis.