Herpes Shedding Patterns Show Wide Risks for Transmission
JAMA 2011;305(14):1441-1449. doi: 10.1001/jama.2011.420
Among patients seropositive for herpes simplex virus type 2, genital shedding is "likely universal," regardless of symptoms, according to a JAMA study.
Researchers followed some 500 seropositive individuals for 2 months, during which the subjects collected daily swabs from the genital area. Rates of viral shedding were twice as high among symptomatic participants, but even asymptomatic subjects showed shedding on 10% of days. In addition, the number of virus copies shed was similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.
The authors say their findings suggest that clinical management of seropositive — but asymptomatic — patients should include anticipatory guidance on recognizing genital symptoms as well as counseling on condom use, valacyclovir therapy, and the need to disclose serostatus to sexual partners.
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