Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of gD2t-AS04 vaccine (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Inc.) for the prevention of herpes simplex type 2 (HSV2) infection, most commonly associated with genital herpes.

Authors' recommendations: The genital herpes epidemic is a global public health problem. In the US, approximately 22% of people 12 years of age or older are infected with HSV2. Infected pregnant women may pass the virus to the baby during birth. Genital herpes is also a risk factor for the spread of HIV in adults. Many infected with HSV2 have no symptoms, and this contributes to the spread of the disease. The development and widespread use of a safe and effective vaccine is a practical strategy for controlling the epidemic. Mathematical modelling of the results of two large phase III trials (which studied the occurrence of genital herpes in vaccinated adults whose regular sexual partners had a history of the disease) indicates that the widespread use of the vaccine could affect the spread of genital herpes in men and women.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)