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Herpes simplex virus type 2 prevalence of epidemic proportions in rural Zimbabwean women: association with other sexually transmitted infections

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Abstract

Introduction

Syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is one important strategy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention in developing countries, but there is a scarcity of rural community-based data on the relative prevalences of the STIs. We sought to determine the prevalences of the STIs and their clinical correlates in rural Zimbabwean women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 527 sexually active, non-pregnant, non-menopausal women between the ages of 20 and 49 years.

Results

The seroprevalence for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), HIV, trichomoniasis and syphilis were 64.5, 29.3, 24.7 and 6.2% respectively. HSV-2 seropositivity was significantly associated with current non-syphilitic ulcers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–22.34, p=0.040). HSV-2 seroprevalence peaked at the age of 35 whereas HIV peaked at 25. The two diseases were strongly associated (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.85–4.65, p<0.001).

Conclusion

There is evidence of rural epidemics of both HSV-2 and HIV, and a change in the aetiology of genital ulcers in rural Zimbabwe.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank for financial support from UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Danish Bilharziosis Laboratory, Norwegian research council, NORAD and Ullevaal University Hospital: Research Forum, Department of Infectious Diseases and Competence Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases. Technical, medical or cultural assistance were provided by the Provincial Medical Director and Supervisor, Dr Charimari, Mupfure community, staff at Madziwa, Harare Central and Mt Darwin Hospitals, Drs T. Magwali, T. Mhlanga, M. Chirara, B. Vennerwald, and Professors F. Jerve and L. Sandvik. The authors are indebted the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, excellent technical assistance from personnel of the Blair Research Laboratory, staff at Mupfure Secondary School, headmistress V. Mugabe, and the following indispensable people: Sisters N. Kurewa, J. Chikoore and late sister P. Dungare, Councillor Chadzimura, Village Health Workers, Environmental Health Technicians, and in particular N. Taremeredzwa, C. Mukahiwa, R. Manyaira and T. Mushipe for prolonged hard work under very difficult circumstances.

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Correspondence to Eyrun Floerecke Kjetland.

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Kjetland, E.F., Gwanzura, L., Ndhlovu, P.D. et al. Herpes simplex virus type 2 prevalence of epidemic proportions in rural Zimbabwean women: association with other sexually transmitted infections. Arch Gynecol Obstet 272, 67–73 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-004-0689-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-004-0689-8

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