Recent developments in STDs: II. Viral and other syndromes.

It is likely that up to 50% of the U.S. population will acquire a sexually transmitted disease by age 30 to 35. In industrialized countries, herpes simplex virus is by far the most common pathogen. The major public health impact of HSV infection is its brutal legacy to newborns. Half of the affected infants die at birth, and many of the survivors have severe neurodevelopmental disabilities.