sexually+transmitted+diseases-+Herpes


 * Herpes! **

By: Adrianne Leblanc May 20, 2010



** Abstract ** // STD’s are becoming a popular topic in our society. Many young individuals as well as old are contracting sexually transmitted diseases from having unsafe sexual actions with partners. There are a large amount of STD’s that are emerging today. The STD that I researched was herpes. Herpes spans from oral to genital and infects a broad range of people. Approximately over 50 million people are infected worldwide and is one of the most common STD’s. //

//**Introduction** // // This topic was interesting to me because it’s a growing epidemic in the world. Many people are suffering from herpes that leaves everlasting scars. Young people are not aware of the actions that they take and become absorbed in the sexual world. They are unaware of the consequences at hand and don’t realize what herpes can do to you. The most significant finding I found while researching herpes was that once you have it, you have it forever. This is mind blowing. Many STD’s now a days can use antibiotics to clear the infection but herpes is one where there is no turning back. //

//**Discussion** // // There is two types of herpes, HSV-1 which is simplex type one that is found above the waist, most commonly around the mouth. And then there is HSV-2, which is simplex type 2 found below the waist in the genital region. (Tortora) These two forms of herpes are highly contagious and the infections are mostly spread by sex or from mother to baby. //

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// 1. Oral herpes are causes sores of the mouth that inflame. // // 2. Genital herpes are sores around the genitals, buttocks, or anal area. // // 3. The characteristics of herpes are blisters, sores, itchy and painful. // // When you contract herpes most people are aware there is a problem. Sometimes the blisters can be confused with jock itch, ingrown hairs, insect bites, pimples, or even razor burn. (Fife) //
 * Symptoms and Characteristics** //

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Testing** // // HSV testing is used to detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus in those who have genital sores //// and in newborns suspected of having neonatal herpes, a rare but serious condition in which herpes is contracted during birth. A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with herpes may be monitored regularly prior to delivery to identify a reactivation of her infection, which would indicate the necessity for a caesarean section to avoid infecting the baby. //

// The primary methods of testing for the virus are the herpes // // and HSV // // testing. //// HSV // // testing can be used to help diagnose an acute HSV infection if //// acute //// and blood samples are collected. The convalescent blood sample is collected several weeks after the acute sample, and HSV IgG antibody levels are compared to see if they have risen significantly, indicating a current infection. Antibody testing may also be used to screen certain populations, such as sexually active people, potential organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/ AIDS, for a previously contracted HSV infection. //// (Westhiemer) //

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Conclusion** // // They are starting to do tests on mice to discover new treatments. But until then, if you have genital herpes, there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood that you will transmit the infection to a sexual partner. You can refrain from intercourse during an outbreak and use condoms even when there is no indication that you are experiencing a recurrence. (Stanberry) You also should be very truthful and open and honest with your partner. This is not a joke, but a serious matter that should not keep spreading. //

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// 1.Bernstein, David I., et al. "The adjuvant CLDC increases protection of a herpes simplex type 2 glycoprotein D vaccine in guinea pigs." Vaccine 28.21 (2010): 3748-3753. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 15 May 2010. //
 * Literature Cited** //

// 2.Fife, Kenneth H., et al. "Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 lnfection in Young Adult Women: Risk Factors for Infection and Frequency of Viral Shedding." Sexually Transmitted Diseases 37.4 (2010): 248-252. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 May 2010. ////

3 //// . Farley, Nicholas, et al. "Recurrent vaginal shedding of herpes simplex type 2 virus in the mouse and effects of antiviral therapy." Antiviral Research 86.2 (2010): 188-195. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 16 May 2010. //

// 4. //// Stanberry, Lawrence R. Undertanfing Herpes. 2006. Unied States. University Press of Mississippi. 78pp

5. //// Tortora, Funke, and Case. Microbiology. 10th. San Francisco: Pearson Education Inc., 2010.,598. Print. ////

6. Westheimer, Ruth K. Dr. Ruth's Guide to Taking about Herpes. 2004. New York, NY. Grove Press. //