Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 and characteristics associated with undiagnosed infection: New York City, 2004

• Published in: Sexually transmitted diseases Vol. 35; no. 6; p. 599
• Main Authors: Schillinger, Julia A, McKinney, Christy M, Garg, Renu, Gwynn, R Charon, White, Kellee, Lee, Francis, Blank, Susan, Thorpe, Lorna, Frieden, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Antibodies, Viral - blood; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Herpes Genitalis - diagnosis; Herpes Genitalis - epidemiology; Herpes Genitalis - physiopathology; Herpesvirus 2, Human - immunology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; New York City - epidemiology; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; New York City
• ISSN: 0148-5717
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181666fb1

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is associated with substantial morbidity and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. We describe HSV-2 seroprevalence in adult New Yorkers, and examine the relationship between select characteristics, infection, and diagnosis. HSV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors were measured using the 2004 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey of adults. HSV-2 seroprevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed for select characteristics. Associations between proposed risk factors and HSV-2 infection and diagnosis were estimated using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Nearly 28% of adults were infected with HSV-2; 88.4% of HSV-2 positive persons were undiagnosed. Black women had the highest seroprevalence (59.7%) of any sex or race/ethnicity group. Women, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic whites), and men who have sex with men were at greater odds of HSV-2 infection. Among HSV-2 infected individuals, non-Hispanic blacks (vs. non-Hispanic whites), uncircumcised men, and those with no routine place of care were less likely to be diagnosed. HSV-2 is highly prevalent and largely undiagnosed in New York City; seroprevalence varies by subgroup. Targeted HSV-2 screening, counseling and treatment may help reduce transmission of HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus.