Current treatments and perceptions of genital herpes: a European‐wide view

Abstract

A European panel of physicians reviewed the current treatments and perceptions of recurrent genital herpes (GH) across the continent. The panel consisted of specialists in dermatology and venereology from France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK. A wide variety of factors that influence GH management were considered, including different health delivery systems, funding and cultural differences. The poor awareness of GH among both the general public and physicians was highlighted. The effectiveness of GH management was then examined from a patient's viewpoint, including the confirmation of the diagnosis, information and counselling about GH, as well as prescriptions for treatment. It was agreed that both physicians and patients often feel uncomfortable about discussing the disease, and that a European-wide effort is needed to re-educate patients and physicians about GH. The panel identified clear and unmet needs to manage a patient with clinical recurrences and to attempt to reduce the risk of GH transmission. Finally, resiquimod, an immune response modifier, was considered as a potential treatment option for GH.

Antiviral activity of the extracts of Rhodophyceae from Morocco

“…The number of antivirals approved for clinical use has been increased from 5 to more than 30 drugs (De Clercq, 2004). However, as these drugs are not always efficacious or well-tolerated and drug-resistant virus strains are rapidly emerging, there is still a great demand for further drug development including novel modes of action (Pielop et al, 2000;Strand et al, 2002). A very promising approach is the antiviral screening of products derived from natural sources, such as marine flora and fauna, bacteria, fungi and higher plants (Mayer, 2002;Ben Sassi et al, 2008;Mayer et al, 2009).…”

Diagnosis of genital herpes: the role and place of HSV testing in clinical practice

“…The prevalence of genital herpes varies between European countries, and the number of patients with genital herpes in Europe has increased since the 1970s [1,3]. In many developed countries, HSV-1 infection is ubiquitous, with as many as 90% of the population being seropositive by the fourth decade of life [3].…”

“…The increase in prevalence of genital HSV-1 infection may be in part due to an increase in oral-genital sexual behaviour Seroprevalence of HSV is influenced by socioeconomic status, sexual history, patterns of sexual behaviour and the ethnic origin of sexual partners [9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Differences in seroprevalence may also result from variability in diagnostic testing and in awareness of genital herpes by healthcare professionals [1,3]. Factors associated with higher seroprevalence include female gender, more lifetime sexual partners, longer lifetime duration of sexual activity and a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [9].…”

“…The diagnosis of genital herpes is not straightforward, and genital herpes is often misdiagnosed [1]. This is because it can present with a wide range of symptoms that may overlap with other common conditions, and it can also be asymptomatic [16,17].…”

“…Genital herpes is a chronic disease that is underdiagnosed and undertreated [1]. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide.…”