The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2000
ReviewHerpes simplex virus: the importance of asymptomatic shedding.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is frequently shed after infection of the genital or perianal area. HSV shedding, as determined by culture, occurs on about 3% of days for immunocompetent women and men, and more for persons with HIV infection or if measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ⋯ However, some shedding episodes remain truly asymptomatic even after patient education. Antiviral therapy dramatically reduces asymptomatic shedding, and trials to evaluate its effect on HSV transmission are underway.