Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, one of every five teenagers and adults is infected with genital herpes. Women are more commonly infected than men and it is estimated that one of every four women has herpes.
Although at least 45 million aged 12 and older in the United States have genital herpes infection, there has been a substantial decrease in cases from 21 percent to 17 percent, according to a 1999 to 2004 CDC survey. Much of the decrease was in the 14 to 19 year age group, and continued through the young adult group.
NIAID Research on Genital Herpes
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports research on genital herpes and HSV. Studies are currently underway to develop better treatments for the millions of people who suffer from genital herpes. While some scientists are carrying out clinical trials to determine the best way to use existing medicines, others are studying the biology of HSV. NIAID scientists have identified certain genes and enzymes (proteins) that the virus needs to survive. They are hopeful that drugs aimed at disrupting these viral targets might lead to the design of more effective treatments.
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