Herpes simplex virus type 2 serological testing and psychosocial harm: a systematic review

Ross, Kaile M.; Johnston, Christine; Wald, Anna

doi:10.1136/sextrans-2011-050099

Cited by 26 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…A review examined studies that measured the short and long-term psychosocial effects resulting from serological diagnosis of HSV-2 in persons without recognized symptoms of genital herpes infection [58]. Overall HSV-2 serological testing did not result in long-term psychosocial harm in most people.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory

Goff

Péré

Bélec

2014

Virol J

150

106

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Since the type of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection affects prognosis and subsequent counseling, type-specific testing to distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2 is always recommended. Although PCR has been the diagnostic standard method for HSV infections of the central nervous system, until now viral culture has been the test of choice for HSV genital infection. However, HSV PCR, with its consistently and substantially higher rate of HSV detection, could replace viral culture as the gold standard for the diagnosis of genital herpes in people with active mucocutaneous lesions, regardless of anatomic location or viral type. Alternatively, antigen detection—an immunofluorescence test or enzyme immunoassay from samples from symptomatic patients--could be employed, but HSV type determination is of importance. Type-specific serology based on glycoprotein G should be used for detecting asymptomatic individuals but widespread screening for HSV antibodies is not recommended. In conclusion, rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of HSV is now become a necessity, given the difficulty in making the clinical diagnosis of HSV, the growing worldwide prevalence of genital herpes and the availability of effective antiviral therapy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory

Goff

Péré

Bélec

2014

Virol J

150

106

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“…Only 2 of the 8 found a lasting, negative impact of an HSV diagnosis and the majority concluded that concern about psychological impact should not deter HSV screening programs. 7 Despite these reassuring findings, caution is warranted when screening adolescents and young adults for HSV. Psychosexual development is a key task of adolescence and young adulthood.…”

Section: Are the Costs And Risks Of Screening Less Than The Benefits?mentioning

confidence: 96%

Asymptomatic Sexually Active Adolescents and Young Adults Should Not Be Screened for Herpes Simplex Virus

Mark

2013

JAMA Pediatr

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“…[24] Nevertheless, a recent review of the extant literature concluded that HSV-2 diagnosis by type-specific serological testing did not result in long-term psychosocial harm in most persons without an identified history of genital herpes. [25] That review, however, was limited to studies with adults from developed countries. Moreover, conclusions were aimed at clinicians, who were advised to offer HSV-2 testing selectively to “appropriate” patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disclosure of HSV-2 serological test results in the context of an adolescent HIV prevention trial in Kenya

et al. 2015

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Objectives HSV-2 biomarkers are often used in adolescent sub-Saharan HIV prevention studies, but evaluations of test performance and disclosure outcomes are rare in the published literature. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of ELISA-positive and indeterminant samples confirmed by Western blot (WB); the psychosocial response to disclosure; and whether reports of sexual behavior and HSV-2 symptoms are consistent with WB confirmatory results among adolescent orphans in Kenya. Methods In 2011, 837 Kenyan orphan youth in grades 7 and 8 enrolled in an HIV prevention clinical trial with HSV-2 biomarker outcomes. We used a modified algorithm for the Kalon HSV-2 ELISA to improve specificity; positive and indeterminate results were WB-tested. We developed culturally sensitive protocols for disclosing positive results and documented psychosocial responses, reports of sexual contact, and HSV-2 symptoms. Results 28 adolescents (3.3%) were identified as HSV-2 seropositive; 6 as indeterminate. Of these, 22 positive and all indeterminants were WB-tested; 20 and 5, respectively, were confirmed positive. Most youth reported moderate brief stress after disclosure; 22% reported longer and more severe distress. Boys were more likely to be in the latter category. Self-reported virginity was highly inconsistent with WB confirmed positives. Conclusions The higher than manufacturer cut-off for Kalon ELISA modestly reduced the rate of false positive test results but also increased false negatives. Investigators should consider the risk-benefit ratio in deciding whether or not to disclose HSV-2 results to adolescent participants under specific field conditions.

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Herpes simplex virus type 2 serological testing and psychosocial harm: a systematic review

Cited by 26 publications

References 44 publications

Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory

Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory

Asymptomatic Sexually Active Adolescents and Young Adults Should Not Be Screened for Herpes Simplex Virus

Disclosure of HSV-2 serological test results in the context of an adolescent HIV prevention trial in Kenya

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