The Psychosocial Impact of Testing Individuals with No History of Genital Herpes for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Abstract

There was no apparent lasting adverse psychosocial impact of detecting HSV-2 infection among individuals without a history of genital herpes seeking herpes testing at an STD clinic.

Knowledge of Partners’ Genital Herpes Protects against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Acquisition

“…Concerns range from issues surrounding the accuracy of the tests, to the burden on healthcare practitioners of providing appropriate counseling, to the psychosocial distress that may accompany a new diagnosis of genital herpes [46,47]. Recent studies addressing these concerns have been reassuring: no lasting distress was identified in persons receiving a serologic diagnosis of HSV-2 infection [48][49][50]. Physicians should encourage patients to disclose their genital herpes to partners before the initiation of sexual activity, as currently recommended [8].…”

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

“…Four studies also compared participants who tested HSV-2 positive with participants who tested HSV-2 negative 25 28 31 32. Three studies compared responses in HSV-2-positive participants with and without a history of genital herpes 27 30 33…”

HIV/AIDS: Management of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection in HIV Type 1–Infected Persons

“…Concerns about psychosocial distress in persons who are seropositive for HSV-2 have been diminished by studies showing that the effect is limited and transient [54][55][56]. Pending the outcome of studies that are underway, the use of suppressive acyclovir to decrease HIV-1 transmission or improve the clinical course of the HIV-1 infection may become additional important reasons for early diagnosis of HSV-2 infection in HIV-infected persons.…”