16 Feb 2023 • The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) uses a reaffirmation approach to reach the moderately certain conclusion that population-based screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including pregnant women, causes more damage than good. This recommendation statement is applicable to routine screening of adults and pregnant women who have no history, symptoms, or physical evidence of genital HSV infection. The USPSTF's recommendation against routine serologic screening for HSV infection in asymptomatic adults, pregnant women, and adolescents is supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the CDC. Additionally, routine serologic testing for HSV in asymptomatic pregnant women is not advised by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The USPSTF recognizes the importance of improving screening for and treatment of genital herpes to prevent future symptomatic episodes and transmission. The USPSTF is calling for more studies to evaluate screening, detection, and management of asymptomatic genital HSV infection.

Source: JAMA | Read full story