[Debates and updates regarding the virologic diagnosis of herpes]. / Débats et actualités dans le diagnostic virologique de l'herpès.

Clinical diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections is accurate and sufficient in many cases. However, there are situations where diagnosis is difficult, for example in subclinical shedding or atypical lesions. Furthermore, in some life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, herpesvirus infections in immunocompromised individuals, during pregnancy or in neonates, confirmation of the diagnosis with accurate and rapid laboratory tests is essential.

[Herpes as viewed by the French: result of a survey conducted on 10,000 persons]. / L'herpès vu par les Français: résultat d'une enquête portant sur 10,000 personnes.

Herpes is a viral infection which increases, specifically genital herpes. The aim of this survey was to assess the perception of herpes in the general population and in patients with herpes in France using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 10,000 persons answered the questionnaire among which 128 patients presented herpes. This study showed that only 5% of the French population knew that herpes was a viral infection, and 7% a sexually transmitted disease. Among patients with genital herpes only 34% indicated a sexual relationship and a mode of contamination. The interference with sexual and social life is important. Development of information and communication on herpes appears crucial.