The rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) The threats continue.
According to a new study published in the BMJ Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections, the prevalence of one incurable STI in particular – genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 – is high globally.
By 2020, approximately 846 million people aged 15 to 49 (more than one in five) were living with genital herpes infection.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that at least one person every second, 42 million people annually, is estimated to acquire the infection.
The researchers Weill Cornell Medicine, in Qatar, noted that both types of HSV infection are lifelong and can cause symptomatic genital ulcer disease (GUC).
HSV-2 “almost always” causes sexually transmitted genital infections, while HSV-1 primarily causes oral infections, such as cold sores, but can occur, the researchers said. sexually transmitted causing genital infections.
Infection can cause painful genital sores and blisters that usually recur in irregular episodes throughout life. Statistics show that in 2020, more than 200 million people in the same age group will experience at least one painful symptomatic episode.
Not every case of HSV is symptomatic, making transmission more likely.
The researchers concluded that the “high incidence and prevalence” of HSV worldwide requires new preventive and therapeutic measures, such as vaccines, to control spread and reduce disease burden.
By 2020, approximately 846 million people aged 15 to 49 years are living with genital herpes infection. (iStock)
Study co-author Leith Abu Raddad, a health care policy and research professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, emphasized the scale of HSV’s impact.
“Symptomatic genital herpes imposes a substantial global burden, affecting 200 million people annually and costing $35 billion annually in health care costs and lost productivity,” he wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. Estimated.”
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“In addressing this pressure Health challenge A fundamental solution is needed,” Abu Raddad said.
“Developing a vaccine capable of protecting against HSV-1 and HSV-2, the viruses responsible for genital herpes, represents an important step toward controlling this infection globally.”
Treatment of the incurable
There is currently no cure for HSV, although there are treatments to help manage symptoms.
STIs can also lead to serious complications like neonatal herpes, which can be passed from a mother to her baby. During childbirth.
HSV-2 accounts for 90% of symptomatic episodes and is associated with a significantly higher risk of HIV contractAccording to WHO.
According to experts, HSV can cause painful sores and blisters that can occur in recurring episodes. (iStock)
Dr. Gabe Gaviola, senior medical director of Everlywell in New York — an at-home STD testing and treatment platform — expressed his concern about increased exposure.
“HSV is highly contagious and often asymptomatic, which means many people may be unknowingly infected. Transmit the virusGaviola, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. “This makes prevention and early diagnosis more difficult.”
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“There is also a persistent stigma associated with genital herpes, which can discourage people from seeking treatment or disclosing their herpes status to partners, leading to further spread.”
Gaviola reiterated how HSV infection can increase the risk of contracting other STIs because of the “excessive skin barrier” that makes it “even more important to seek appropriate screening.” Tests and treatments“
“The new data in this study highlight just how widespread HSV-2 and HSV-1 are, with millions of new and existing cases each year,” said one doctor. (iStock)
“The high prevalence rate, especially among people aged 15 to 49, is due to lack of public awareness, prevention efforts, and access to testing and treatment,” he said.
For those experiencing symptoms, Gaviola recommends getting regular screenings and staying open. sexual partners To minimize the spread.
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“Safe sex practices, including condom use and antiviral treatment for those with HSV, can help reduce HSV transmission,” he added.
While HSV outbreaks can be controlled and may lessen or worsen over time, flare-ups can occur during times of stress or illness, according to Gaviola.
Experts explain that the nature of HSV makes it difficult to identify a cure. (iStock)
After initial infection, HSV remains dormant in nerve cells, making it “extremely difficult to completely eliminate from the body,” he said.
“It can reactivate at any time, often without warning,” he warned. “This laziness also allows the virus to evade the immune system, which prevents the body from eradicating the infection.”
“It can reactivate at any time, often without warning.”
“Although there is no cure yet, progress in vaccine development and Antiviral treatment Promise,” he said.
“Public health initiatives to reduce transmission and improve treatment are critical in managing the global burden of HSV.”
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Anna Wald, MD, professor of medicine, laboratory medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington, notes that the nature of herpes viruses, such as chickenpox and shingles, makes treatment development difficult — although early, clinical trials are underway.
According to Wald, there have also been some attempts to develop a vaccine against HSV that have failed. (iStock)
“[A] A potential cure would require gene therapy, which is a potentially dangerous approach to a non-malignant disease,” Wald, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. “So the results I’m making slow progress.”
Some efforts have also been made to develop a Prophylactic vaccines Which according to Dr. have failed.
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“Vaccine testing for prevention is very expensive, but there are some new candidate vaccines that will hopefully be in trials in the next few years,” he shared.
“In my opinion, a preventive vaccine would be a great approach, but we don’t yet know how to make a vaccine that works – and testing them is a long and expensive process.”