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Guideline Watch

USPSTF Still Doesn't Endorse Routine Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes Infection

Abigail Zuger, MD

Abigail Zuger, MD

Jan 17, 2017

Abigail Zuger, MD

Abigail Zuger, MD

January 17, 2017

Abigail Zuger, MD

Abigail Zuger, MD

January 17, 2017

Topics

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports that available tests aren't good enough, and reliable evidence of benefit is lacking.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care providers

Background

In 2005, the USPSTF recommended against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. The prevalence of this very common sexually transmitted infection — an estimated 16% of 14- to 49-year-olds in the U.S. are infected with genital HSV — prompted a new review of evidence on the accuracy, benefits, and harms of serologic screening for genital HSV infection.

Key Points

The USPSTF continues to recommend against routine serologic screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, citing poor screening test performance, lack of convincing evide…

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose