The majority of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV- 2) genital infections are asymptomatic. We wanted to evaluate the acceptance of HSV- 2 antibody testing among people attending an STD clinic and to estimate, after cou...The majority of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV- 2) genital infections are asymptomatic. We wanted to evaluate the acceptance of HSV- 2 antibody testing among people attending an STD clinic and to estimate, after counselling, the percentage of recognized and unrecognized HSV- 2 infections. First visitors to an STD clinic were invited to participate by answering a questionnaire and taking a blood test for HSV- 2 antibodies. HSV- 2 seropositive individuals, who were unaware of having genital herpes, were offered an HSV- 2 counselling visit and follow- up. Of 1769 patients offered testing, 57% accepted. Of 152 (15% ) HSV- 2 seropositive individuals, 41% had a self- reported history of genital herpes,approximately 30% hadgenital symptoms and 30% had no genital symptoms. The percentage of patients reporting genital symptoms was much higher in HSV- 2 seropositives (45% ) without a history of genital herpes than in an HSV- 2 seronegative group (28% ). HSV- 2 antibody testing should be performed generously in all cases of uncharacteristic genital symptoms.展开更多
文摘The majority of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV- 2) genital infections are asymptomatic. We wanted to evaluate the acceptance of HSV- 2 antibody testing among people attending an STD clinic and to estimate, after counselling, the percentage of recognized and unrecognized HSV- 2 infections. First visitors to an STD clinic were invited to participate by answering a questionnaire and taking a blood test for HSV- 2 antibodies. HSV- 2 seropositive individuals, who were unaware of having genital herpes, were offered an HSV- 2 counselling visit and follow- up. Of 1769 patients offered testing, 57% accepted. Of 152 (15% ) HSV- 2 seropositive individuals, 41% had a self- reported history of genital herpes,approximately 30% hadgenital symptoms and 30% had no genital symptoms. The percentage of patients reporting genital symptoms was much higher in HSV- 2 seropositives (45% ) without a history of genital herpes than in an HSV- 2 seronegative group (28% ). HSV- 2 antibody testing should be performed generously in all cases of uncharacteristic genital symptoms.
