Identification of women at unsuspected risk of primary infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women whose husbands do not have symptoms of infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may still be at risk for contracting HSV-2. HSV-2 is a virus that causes genital herpes, and it can harm newborns who are exposed to it during passage through the birth canal. Of 190 pregnant women and their spouses, both members of 139 couples (73%) had the same HSV-2 infection status. Fifty-seven percent of these couples were negative for antibodies against HSV-2 and 16% were positive. In the remaining 51 couples (27%), one member was positive for antibodies against HSV-2, and the other was negative. Members of these couples had been sexually intimate for an average of 6.1 years. Eighteen women who were HSV-2 negative had husbands that were HSV-2 positive, and 10 of these husbands (56%) had never experienced symptoms of genital herpes. Five percent of the 190 pregnant women had an unsuspected risk of contracting HSV-2.

Risk factors, Pregnant women

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Herpes simplex virus type 2 - a persistent problem

Article Abstract:

Recent studies show that the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection rate is dramatically increasing. HSV-2 infected individuals are more susceptible to also acquiring HIV infection. Therefore, the need for strongly encouraging safe sexual activities is increasing. Current treatments are effective among patients known to be HSV-2-infected. However, many HSV-2-infected individuals have no disease characteristics and unknowingly transmit the infection to their partners. The most striking increases in HSV-2 infections have been seen in teenagers. This trend will likely increase HSV-2 infections in newborns.

Demographic aspects, Teenagers, Youth

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Varicella vaccine -- the first six years

Article Abstract:

The chickenpox vaccine may not only reduce the incidence of chickenpox in children but also the incidence of herpes zoster in adults. Both diseases are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and the vaccine was approved by the FDA in 1995.

Evaluation, Chickenpox vaccine, Chickenpox vaccines

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