Herpes Drugs Don't Stop Transmission And Vaccine Falls Short (January 10, 2012)

Recent clinical trials and research from the University of Washington provide  evidence that individuals carrying genital herpes you can infect sex partners even when taking drugs that prevent outbreaks.  The research seems to show that subjects displaying no herpes symptoms can shed the infectious virus while taking high doses of anti-herpes drugs. 

People with genital herpes are known to be at risk of spreading the virus regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms of the disease. The discovery of anti-herpes drugs provided hope that in addition to preventing outbreaks that the drugs might also prevent transmission of the infection. 

Researchers report that "short episodes of genital shedding occur frequently with antiviral therapy, even for high-dose regimens."  This new evidence unfortunately seems to disprove that there is any significant benefit of preventing spread of the herpes virus.

20% of Americans are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2).  Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) is typically associated with cold sores or fever blisters. However, HSV-1 does cause some cases of genital herpes.

There is no cure for the herpes virus.  Herpes is a life-long affliction, typically with outbreaks decreasing over time. Many people carrying the disease don't suffer from the symptoms, painful blisters in the genital region. Drugs designed to prevent herpes breakout including famciclovir (Famvir), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and acyclovir (Zovirax) can provide relief but do nothing to eliminate the virus.  

A new study shows that an experimental herpes vaccine is not effective against HSV-2 and only mildly effective against HSV-1. Earlier studies showed promise for the vaccine, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.   

The study tracked approximately 8,300 herpes free women between the ages of 18 and 30 for a period of 20 months. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers were puzzled by the findings as previous studies conducted among couples with one infected partner showed positive results. Nonetheless, these studies show that it should be possible to develop a vaccine against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The fact that there is a difference in the current vaccines ability to prevent HSV-1 and not HSV-2 provides expanded opportunity for research. 

Until and effective vaccine is developed and proven safe there is the promising option that antiviral medications may offer some protection against transmission of the virus.