Asymptomatic shedding of herpes simplex virus from the genital tract: uncertainty and its consequences for patient management

Abstract

A frequent component of the management of patients with genital herpes concerns the possibility of asymptomatic shedding and potential sexual transmission of the virus. Approaches intended to provide supportive counselling and reassurance of patients about these issues need now to be modified in the light of increasing data of the frequency of asymptomatic detection of virus and the effects of antiviral therapy on this phenomenon. Further studies to delineate the relationship between asymptomatic detection of HSV in the genital tract and the mechanism of sexual transmission of this virus need to be conducted before clinicians instigate antiviral suppressive treatment primarily to prevent sexual transmission of HSV. However, it is important that the new data and our greater understanding of the natural history of genital herpes is translated into accurate and comprehensible information for our patients.