Study compares medications for treatment of persons with recurrent genital herpes

In a study appearing in the December 20 issue of JAMA , Anna Wald, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, and colleagues compared the medications pritelivir and valacyclovir for reducing genital herpes simplex virus shedding and lesions in persons with recurrent genital herpes. The treatment for genital herpes simplex virus infections relies on the nucleoside analogues acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir administered either for each recurrence or daily to prevent recurrences.

Routine Testing for Genital Herpes of Little Benefit: U.S. Experts

Routine blood test screening for genital herpes is not recommended for teens and adults — including pregnant women — who don’t have any signs or symptoms of the sexually transmitted disease , a panel of U.S. health care experts says. After reviewing available evidence, the group concluded that the potential harms of screening outweigh the benefits.