Genital herpes simplex virus and its treatment: Focus on famciclovir

The incidence of genital herpes continues to increase worldwide. Primary first-episode genital herpes are commonly associated with severe systemic symptoms. Primary first-episode lesions are usually bilateral and may form over a period of 10 days. Nonprimary first-episode genital herpes are often associated with less severe systemic symptoms and lesion formation. Although recurrent genital herpes episodes are generally limited to localized lesions without systemic symptoms, the frequent recurrence and chronicity may have a substantial psychosocial impact on a patient's well-being. Presently, there are no available treatments capable of abating the latent virus in human beings. Current management of genital herpes focuses on treatment with antiviral agents, which are effective in reducing the course of genital herpes. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company