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Testing for HSV-2 Infection Among Pregnant Teens: Implications for Clinical Practice

Authors :
Crosby, Richard A.
DiClemente, Ralph J.
Wingood, Gina M.
Rose, Eve
Source :
Journal of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology. Feb2003, Vol. 16 Issue 1, p39. 3p.
Publication Year :
2003

Abstract

Objectives: To pilot test the feasibility of screening pregnant teens for HSV-2 infection during their first prenatal visit.Study Design: A cross-sectional study of 127 African-American adolescent females recruited during their first attendance to a prenatal clinic in a large urban hospital. A rapid serologic test (POCkit, manufactured by Diagnology Inc.) was used to assess HSV-2. The test uses a membrane-based immunoassay to detect circulating IgG antibodies to a specific antigen obtained from HSV-2 (semi-purified glycoprotein G2).Results: More than one-fifth (21.3%) of the adolescents tested positive for HSV-2; only 1 adolescent was previously aware of her infection. Older adolescents and those reporting a history of other STDs were significantly more likely to test positive for HSV-2.Conclusions: Testing for HSV-2 in early pregnancy may be an efficient strategy for (1) initiating patient education designed to promote adoption of protective behaviors among adolescents at risk of HSV-2 acquisition during the remainder of their pregnancy and (2) teaching those who test positive how to recognize symptoms of HSV-2 outbreaks; patients reporting recurrent outbreaks during pregnancy may benefit from predelivery assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10833188
Volume :
16
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9142118
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1083-3188(02)00204-8