Herpes Testing During Pregnancy Sparks Debate

Babies born to women with an active genital herpes infection face serious risks, including blindness, cerebral palsy, and even death. However, universal herpes testing for pregnant women has lately become the subject of much controversy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 25 percent of pregnant women carry the herpes virus – which cannot be cured but is treatable with medication. Advocates of universal herpes screening say that testing could reduce the risk of an infant being born with cerebral palsy or other serious health condition.

Among those advocating for universal herpes testing is GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the top-selling herpes drug Valtrex. The pharmaceutical company has been accused of sponsoring herpes education for promotional purposes.

In a recent statement, the company denied such accusations, stating its sponsorship is part of an effort to promote “disease-awareness education to healthcare professionals and patients about genital herpes, including the consequences for newborns infected with herpes during pregnancy or delivery.”

Critics of widespread herpes testing – which include federal health agencies and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists – say that pregnant women who test positive for the virus and start taking medication face unnecessary risks.

“There are no benefits associated with [universal] screening,” of women who are asymptomatic, said a government-appointed panel in 2005. “Potential harm to many low-risk women and fetuses from the side effects of antiviral therapy may be great.”

Earlier this year, the CDC echoed this sentiment. “Insufficient evidence exists to recommend routine” herpes testing of pregnant women. The agency, however, added that pregnant women whose sexual partners have tested positive should be undergo testing.

Women with an active genital herpes infection during pregnancy typically deliver their babies through caesarean section to prevent transmitting the virus to their newborns.