ItŐs not a topic most people like to discuss, but genital herpes is a serious health problem for millions of Americans. In fact, more than 200 people are diagnosed with the virus every day. Researchers at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are testing a new vaccine that may actually stop herpes before it starts.

Genital herpes is the most common sexually transmitted disease, affecting nearly 45-million people in the U.S. Many people have no symptoms, which makes the virus difficult to treat. A new vaccine has been developed and is being tested at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. ItŐs made from a protein that is part of the actual herpes virus. Researchers believe it stimulates the bodyŐs immune response to the virus.

"Hopefully, there will be a vaccine available to give young women before they become sexually active to prevent genital herpes. That would be the long-term goal. Some of the benefits of that, again, would be preventing newborns from getting infected with this virus and slow the rate of HIV transmission," says Kevin Ault, M.D., UI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Previous research shows the vaccine was more effective in women, so this latest study involves just women. If successful, it would be the first vaccine to prevent a sexually transmitted disease.

Seventeen medical centers are participating in this study, which will involve nearly 7,500 women.

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