Screening
The currently available serological testing for HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is not approved for population-based screening due to a high false positive rate; therefore, routine serological screening is not recommended for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including those who are pregnant, given the lack of an available confirmatory test, and the potential anxiety and disruption of personal relationships related to diagnosis.[43] However, in certain populations at higher risk of exposure to infection, type-specific serological tests may be useful for guiding counselling regarding the risk for acquiring genital herpes during pregnancy. For example, testing may be offered to women with no prior history of genital herpes whose sexual partner has HSV infection.[48] Evaluation for HSV-2 infection with type-specific serological tests can also be considered in men who have sex with men who have previously had an undiagnosed genital tract infection.[37]
Do not use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to screen for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic patients. HSV shedding is intermittent, therefore PCR testing is unlikely to confirm the diagnosis if no lesions are present.[40][41]
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