Study reveals global economic impact of genital herpes

3 July 2024

A significant new study estimating the economic burden of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections has been conducted by researchers from Monash University Malaysia, University of Utah, University of Chiang Mai, Mahidol University, University of Bristol and the World Health Organisation. The findings were published in 'BMC Global and Public Health' on 2 July 2024. The paper comprehensively analyses the economic implications of HSV infections, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies worldwide.

The study, co-authored by Professor Shaun Lee Wen Huey from Monash University Malaysia alongside other researchers, exemplifies a pivotal collaboration between international research institutions. The research, utilising a societal perspective, estimated the economic burden at the country level, categorised by WHO regions and World Bank income levels. Disease burden estimates were sourced from global studies and disaggregated for 194 countries, with comprehensive healthcare resource utilisation data gathered from literature reviews and expert interviews. All costs were calculated in 2016 international dollars (I$), ensuring a robust and standardised economic assessment.

Key Findings:

1. Global Economic Burden: The study estimates that the combined global economic burden of genital HSV-2 and HSV-1 infections amounted to I$35.3 billion in 2016. The majority of this burden (I$31.2 billion) was attributed to HSV-2 infections, with HSV-1 contributing I$4.0 billion.
2. Regional Disparities: The economic impact of HSV infections varied significantly across regions. The Americas and Western Pacific regions bore nearly two-thirds of the global burden, totalling I$20.8 billion. High- and upper-middle-income countries accounted for 76.6% (I$27.0 billion) of the total economic burden.
3. Health Consequences: Genital herpes, primarily caused by HSV-2, is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally. It is characterised by recurrent, painful genital lesions and has a significant impact on quality of life. HSV-2 infections can also increase the risk of acquiring HIV nearly threefold, further exacerbating the public health burden.
4. Economic Impact on Different Income Levels: High-income countries faced an economic burden of I$11.9 billion, while upper-middle-income countries experienced costs of I$15.1 billion. Lower-middle-income countries and low-income countries faced burdens of I$6.9 billion and I$1.1 billion, respectively.
5. Cost Drivers: The substantial economic burden was largely driven by the recurrent nature of HSV-2 infections. Even with conservative estimates of one symptomatic episode per year per individual, the global costs were estimated at I$16.5 billion.

"Genital HSV infections impose a significant and often overlooked economic burden globally. Our findings highlight the critical need for preventive measures, particularly vaccines, to alleviate both the health and economic impacts of this pervasive virus," stated Professor Shaun Lee.

The findings underscore the critical need for accelerated development of effective HSV vaccines. Current treatments, such as antiviral drugs, can alleviate symptoms but do not prevent transmission or recurrence of the infection. A safe and efficacious vaccine could significantly reduce the health and economic burden of HSV infections globally.