Seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 among two sexually active female populations in Middlesbrough, England

J R Soc Promot Health. 2002 Jun;122(2):108-11. doi: 10.1177/146642400212200212.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection occurs worldwide but its epidemiology varies between different countries and between groups of individuals. Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies is a more accurate method of determining epidemiology of this infection. In this cross-sectional study, 467 blood samples were obtained from women attending the genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM) and antenatal clinic (ANC) in Middlesbrough, England. Analysis of their blood samples showed that 69.5% GUM patients had HSV-1 antibodies and the figure was 54.5% in the ANC patients, p < 0.0001, with odds ratio 1.9 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.78) for higher prevalence in the GUM group. Also, for HSV-2 antibodies, the seroprevalence was 21.6% for GUM and 8.1% for ANC patients, p < 0.0001, with an odds ratio of 3.13 (95% CI 1.70 to 6.02) for higher prevalence in the GUM group. The overall prevalence for HSV-1 is 63.2% and for HSV-2 is 15.8%. Many of these patients were asymptomatic and constitute a potential source for spreading the virus. Knowledge of HSV seroprevalence can help in planning sexual health promotion strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Herpes Genitalis / epidemiology*
  • Herpes Labialis / epidemiology*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sexual Behavior*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral