Congenital herpes simpleх: modern approach to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Among the classic pathogens of congenital infection, herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 play important role. Neonatal herpes develops as a result of antenatal transmission of HSV. The greatest risk occurs with the primary infection of a woman in the late stages of pregnancy. In 85% of cases, genital and neonatal herpes is associated with HSV-2.The purpose of study: to identify the relationship between early manifestations of neonatal herpes and genital herpes during pregnancy for early diagnosis and etiological therapy of the newborn.Materials and methods. The analysis of current clinical recommendations and international consensuses of professional communities in Russia, the USA, and a number of European countries in the management of pregnant women was carried out. The five medical histories of newborn infants with a diagnosis of congenital herpetic infection were analyzed. In the clinical guidelines for the management of normal pregnancy, routine screening of pregnant women for HSV is omitted, however, examination is recommended for symptoms of genital herpes. For the prevention of neonatal herpes, antiviral drugs and caesarean section are used. Congenital herpes develops rarely, proceeds severely with significant residual manifestations in children. Antiviral therapy (Acyclovir) is used for herpetic infection in newborns: with systemic and local infection (eye damage). The analysis showed: despite the recurrent course of genital herpes in 4 out of 5 women during pregnancy, none of the pregnant women had a laboratory examination for HSV, pregnant women did not receive systemic etiological therapy and all deliveries were natural. The absence of preventive measures contributed to the early, during the first three days of life, the development of severe forms of neonatal herpes. In respect that the lack of significant clinical specificity and delayed manifestation, an antenatal anamnesis is important diagnostic criterion for neonatal herpes.

The Role of Structural Gendered Racism in Effective Healthcare Utilization among Black American Women with Herpes Simplex Virus

The sexual health of Black women has been compromised by racial and discriminatory healthcare practices from slavery through current medical and institutional barriers to care. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that identifies the link between stigma, gendered racism, and historical underpinnings that contribute to ineffective healthcare utilization of Black women diagnosed with the chronic sexually transmitted infection (STI), genital herpes. This paper also draws attention to different social factors that act as barriers to effective healthcare utilization and influence the health outcomes of Black women beyond individual factors. Using a socio-ecological framework, this paper reviews multi-level (i.e., individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional/policy) influences of the experience of genital herpes among Black women. Recommendations are provided to improve the ability of health systems and medical providers to deliver appropriate services to diverse populations, thereby improving healthcare utilization and reducing disparities for Black women.

Photodiagnosis of genital herpes and warts within a specialist online sexual health service: an observational (mixed methods) study of user experience and clinical outcomes

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot, free, online photodiagnosis service for genital herpes and warts with postal treatment delivered by a specialist digital sexual health service.SettingAn online sexual health service available free of charge in South East London, UK.ParticipantsRoutinely collected data from 237 users of the pilot service during the study period and qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 15 users.InterventionA pilot, free, online photodiagnosis service for genital herpes and warts with postal treatment delivered by a specialist digital sexual health service.Primary and secondary outcome measuresProportion of users who successfully uploaded photographs and the proportion diagnosed, treated and referred to face-to-face clinical services. User experience of this service.ResultsThe service was accessed by 237 users during the study period with assessment possible for 86% of users based on the photographs provided. A diagnosis of genital herpes or warts was made for 40.5% and 89.6% were subsequently treated through the service. Eighteen per cent were diagnosed as normal/not needing treatment and 42% were signposted to clinic for further clinical assessment.Qualitative data showed that users felt able and willing to provide genital images for diagnosis. Those who were treated or reassured expressed high satisfaction with the service, valuing the convenience, discreetness and support provided. However, users, particularly those who required referral to other services requested more personal and detailed communication when a clinical diagnosis is given remotely.ConclusionsFindings suggest that online photodiagnosis was feasible and acceptable. However, effective and acceptable management of those who require referral needs careful remote communication.

Sexually transmitted infections

Why are sexually-transmitted infections important??, Syndromic management of sexually-transmitted infections?, Syphilis?, Gonorrhoea?, Chlamydial infections?, Chancroid?, Granuloma inguinale donovanosis?, Trichomoniasis?, Bacterial vaginosis?, Genital herpes?, Candida vaginitis?, Human papillomavirus and genital warts?

Quality of Life in women of reproductive age with recurrent genital herpes

Background: Current statistics show that the highest incidence of genital herpes is observed among women of reproductive age. Since these patients have an active lifestyle, frequent outbreaks of genital herpes can cause physical and psychological discomfort. Aim. To assess the quality of life of women of reproductive age with recurrent genital herpes. Methods: The quality of life in women suffering from recurrent genital herpes for more than 5 years (n=86) was evaluated. The control group included healthy women (n=91) according to the data of external genitalia examination and PCR diagnostics. The Health Status Survey (SF-36) in points was employed to measure the health status of women in both groups. Results: We established a significant difference between two groups of patients in terms of the influence of the following indicators on functional limitations: general health condition — 12.1±0.8 points; pain — 8.3±0.4 points; physical problems — 18,3±3,7; physical activity — 8.2±0.6 points (p<0.01). Conclusion: Symptoms of herpetic infection and longterm persistence have an impact on the performance of daily tasks and the quality of life of the patient.