Doctor Clement discusses transmission and treatment of HPV and hepatitis B at health symposium

On August 29, 2025, the Louisiana Legislature convened a meeting of the House Task Force focused on public health outcomes related to incurable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The discussions highlighted critical issues surrounding the epidemiology, transmission, and treatment of various STIs, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and HIV.

The meeting began with an examination of HPV, which is known for its association with cervical cancer and genital warts. Experts noted the challenges in proving directionality of transmission, emphasizing that while individuals may share the same subtype of HPV, it is difficult to ascertain who infected whom. This complexity poses significant implications for legal cases involving STIs, as establishing direct transmission in court remains problematic.

The conversation then shifted to Hepatitis B, where the prevalence in the U.S. is relatively low at 0.4%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine screening, yet many individuals with risk factors remain undiagnosed. The task force discussed the importance of vaccination in reducing transmission rates and highlighted the various routes of transmission, including mother-to-child and percutaneous methods, such as injection drug use. Notably, while chronic Hepatitis B is classified as incurable, many adults can clear the virus spontaneously, raising questions about the definitions of "incurable" versus "persistent."

The discussion also covered HSV, with a focus on the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The experts noted that many individuals with HSV are asymptomatic, complicating efforts to track transmission. The limitations of serological testing were emphasized, as false positives and negatives can lead to confusion regarding an individual's infection status. The task force acknowledged that while treatment options exist, including antiviral medications, the lack of routine screening for asymptomatic individuals remains a public health concern.

Finally, the meeting addressed HIV, with approximately 1.3 million people living with the virus in the U.S. The concept of "undetectable equals untransmittable" was highlighted, emphasizing that individuals on effective antiretroviral therapy cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. The task force discussed the importance of education and stigma reduction in managing HIV, as well as the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing new infections.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of managing incurable STIs and the need for improved screening, education, and treatment strategies. As the task force continues its work, the discussions will likely inform future public health initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of these infections in Louisiana.