Prevalence and correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection: evaluation of behavioural risk factors

• Published in: International journal of epidemiology Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 127 - 134
• Main Authors: van de Laar, MJW, Termorshuizen, F, Slomka, MJ, van Doornum, GJJ, Ossewaarde, JM, Brown, DWG, Coutinho, RA, van den Hoek, JAR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.02.1998; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Adult; Age Distribution; Antibodies, Viral - analysis; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; epidemiology; Female; Herpes genitalis; Herpes Genitalis - diagnosis; Herpes Genitalis - epidemiology; Herpes Genitalis - immunology; Herpesvirus 2, Human - immunology; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Netherlands - epidemiology; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Serologic Tests; seroprevalence; Sex Distribution; Sexual Behavior; sexual behaviour; sexually transmitted diseases; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the genital and urinary system; Netherlands; Europe; Human; Correlation; Seropositivity; Prevalence; Herpesviridae; Alphaherpesvirinae; Genital system; Sexual behavior; Herpes; Serology; Epidemiology; Genital diseases; Infection; Virus; Sexually transmitted disease; Herpesvirus hominis 2; Viral disease; Cross sectional study; Risk factor
• ISSN: 0300-5771; 1464-3685
• DOI: 10.1093/ije/27.1.127

Objective To examine the prevalence and correlates of infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic attenders, we studied the prevalence of antibodies to HSV-2 and their association with risk behaviour. Methods Data were collected in a cross-sectional study among STD clinic attenders in Amsterdam. Seropositivity for HSV-2 was determined in 1798 serum samples by means of a monoclonal antibody-blocking enzyme-linked imlnunoassay. Results The prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was higher than expected: 32.3% in a population in which 3% had current genital herpes and 8% gave a history of genital herpes. Of those with HSV-2 antibodies, only 18% had a history of genital herpes. A strong independent association with the presence of HSV-2 antibodies was found for sexual behaviour, more specifically: homosexual orientation, increasing number of years of sexual activity, increasing number of lifetime partners, number of past gonococcal infections, having receptive anal and (or) vaginal contact. Conclusion The presence of HSV-2 antibodies had a strong association with past sexual behaviour and, [or both sexes, with receptive anal intercourse. HSV-2 antibodies may be used as a surrogate marker of sexual risk behaviour in comparing different populations over time.