Persistence of virus shedding in asymptomatic women after recovery from herpes genitalis.

One hundred seventeen women were reexamined within 6 months after presenting with genital herpes. Swabs for virus isolation were taken from the cervix whether or not lesions were observed. Herpesvirus type II was isolated from 30 of 67 patients with recurrent disease, but also from 5 of 50 women during periods when there were no signs or symptoms of illness. The epidemiologic importance of virus shedding from asymptomatic women is discussed.