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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Gary Richwald, MD, Former Director and Chief Physician, Los Angeles County STD Program, 250 Fifth Avenue, Venice, CA 90291, 310-396-2200, drgary1@comcast.net

Despite the common perception that people believe they would know if they have genital herpes, up to 90 percent of infected people do not know they are infected. Genital herpes, most frequently caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), can be transmitted to sexual partners and elevates risk of acquiring HIV infection. The ready availability of accurate type-specific serological tests for HSV and of antiviral agents that can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks as well as reducing the risk of transmission to sexual partners make a compelling argument for more routine use of serological diagnosis and discussion about management with patients. Despite this, testing for HSV-2 infection is infrequently done for multiple reasons. This discussion will examine the rationale for routinely offering HSV-2 serological testing in a variety of clinical settings, as well as the tests currently available and their characteristics.

Learning Objectives:

• See session abstract

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Organization	Clinical/Research Area	Type of Relationship
Focus Diagnostics	HSV diagnostic methods	Consultant

Any company-sponsored training?	No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?	No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Recorded presentation