Background:Genital herpes (GH) is the most prevalent STI in the US today with one in ten infected persons unaware of their condition. GH is a lower priority infection for most STD/public health programs, well behind syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. However, more accurate and speedy diagnosis of GH will improve counseling and treatment, which itself may result in reduced susceptibility to HIV infection, as well as reduced transmission to others. Although ACOG (2004) and CDC (2006) have called for improved diagnosis of GH infections, in much of the country this has not occurred.

Purpose:This workshop will provide straightforward information to improve GH diagnosis for a variety of clinical scenarios. The use and interpretation of viral identification tests and type-specific antibody tests will be explained, as well as how to manage problems that may arise in the testing process.

Methods (instructional approach):The session will begin with a scientific briefing on GH diagnostics. Twelve brief case studies will be presented to participants who will then be asked for their recommendations. The two session experts will discuss each case.

The following twelve cases will be presented:

1,2 Male and female with classic GH presentation

3 Female with vaginitis (atypical GH)

4 Male with dysuria (atypical GH)

5 Male recipient of oral sex with subsequent GH lesion

6 Male partner of female with history of GH; he has no symptoms

7 Female requesting testing for GH as part of STD screen

8 Female having annual gyn examination

9 Female requesting to know which sexual partner infected her

10 Male with HIV infection and no GH symptoms

11 Female partner of HIV infected male; she has no GH symptoms

12 Female at first prenatal visit