Treatment of genital herpes

Polymerase chain reaction assays have provided evidence that viral reactivation in genital herpes may be more frequent than previously recognized, Asymptomatic shedding, however, appears to be controllable through chronic antiviral suppression, Such an approach may prove beneficial in the future, for reducing both sexual transmission risks as well as the incidence of caesarean sections in patients with high rates of recurrence. Definitive trials providing adequate evidence to justify a change in medical practice, however, have not yet been published. Episodic therapy for recurrent disease has been advanced with the advent of two new antiviral prodrugs which provide improved dosing convenience. Both show an impact on symptomatic relief not previously demonstrated with acyclovir alone. Latency and reactivation have been shown to be avoided with early famciclovir treatment in mice, Studies to determine if this effect can be achieved in humans are definitely warranted. Vaccines look promising as both therapeutic and preventative agents, although initial treatment studies have not yet shown clear benefits.