Paper Summary
Global Prevalence and Incidence of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections and Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) in 2020
A recent study used a sophisticated mathematical model to estimate the global and regional prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections and GUD in 2020. The researchers analyzed data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions, focusing on people aged 15-49. The model provided estimates for various age and gender groups, taking into account regional gaps in the available data.
Key findings include:
* Approximately 25.6 million new HSV-2 infections occurred globally in 2020, with a total of 519.5 million people already living with HSV-2, which corresponds to 13.3% of people in this age range.
* For genital HSV-1, there were 16.8 million new infections and 376.2 million people already living with it, representing 10.2% prevalence in the same age group.
* The combined prevalence of genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 was 846.1 million people worldwide.
* The total burden of GUD episodes caused by HSV was 204.6 million cases, with HSV-2 contributing to the majority.
* The African region had the highest rates of HSV infections and GUD, particularly among young adults.
Limitations of the study include limited high-quality data in some regions, variability in HSV diagnostic methods, and assumptions made in the model.
The findings highlight the significant global burden of HSV infections and associated diseases like GUD. The study emphasizes the need for better prevention measures, including vaccines, and improved public awareness and STI services to reduce the global disease burden. The findings are critical for guiding future research, resource allocation, and policy development in sexual and reproductive health.