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USPSTF 2023: Recommendation against screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic patients (D statement)
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians screen asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons, for genital herpes simplex virus infection?
Bottom line
The US Preventive Services Task Force continues to conclude with moderate certainty that the harms outweigh the benefits for population-based screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons (D recommendation). This updated review is consistent with the 2016 USPSTF recommendation. 2c
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Various (guideline)
Synopsis
The task force found adequate evidence that the currently available serologic screening tests for herpes simplex virus (HSV) have low specificity and a high false-positive rate for population-based screening. No studies published since the 2016 recommendation support screening or provide any evidence of preventive viral medications for reducing viral shedding or improving health outcomes among asymptomatic carriers. Thus, the potential harms of anxiety and the disruption of personal relationships due to diagnosis outweigh any potential benefits. This recommendation is consistent with those from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Centers for Disease Control.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
screening for herpes in asymptomatic patients
Hahahaha- you don't say
Impact assessment
Excellent