Sexually transmitted diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The effect of daily valacyclovir suppression on herpes simplex virus type 2 viral shedding in HSV-2 seropositive subjects without a history of genital herpes.
A substantial number of HSV-2 seropositive individuals lack a history of clinically recognized genital herpes. These individuals can transmit disease during periods of asymptomatic viral shedding. The frequency of asymptomatic shedding and the efficacy of antiviral therapy in reducing shedding has not been assessed in this population. ⋯ In this study, asymptomatic viral shedding occurred in a substantial number of HSV-2 seropositive subjects without a history of genital herpes. Valacyclovir 1 g daily significantly reduced asymptomatic shedding compared with placebo in this population.