A cross-sectional study of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in college students: occurrence and determinants of infection.
Occurrence rates and determinants of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) were measured in first- and fourth-year undergraduate students at a state university. This cross-sectional multistage probability sample survey included sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior patterns, disease history, and HSV type-specific antibody status. The prevalence of HSV-1 antibody was 37.2% in freshmen and 46.1% in fourth-year students; that for HSV-2 antibody was 0.4% and 4.3%, respectively. A history of cold sores was obtained in 25.6% of the freshmen; none had a history of manifest genital herpes. A history of cold sores was obtained in 28% and a history of genital herpes in 1.1% of the fourth-year students. The case-weighted prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies was found to be significantly elevated for a number of student characteristics. However, multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that the significant predictors of HSV-1 antibodies in this population were female gender, black race, first intercourse at age less than or equal to 15 years, total years of sexual activity, history of a partner with oral sores, and a personal history of a non-HSV sexually transmitted disease (STD). Predictors of HSV-2 antibody were black race, duration of sexual activity, and history of a non-HSV STD.
Gibson
J J
JJ
Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208.
Hornung
C A
CA
Alexander
G R
GR
Lee
F K
FK
Potts
W A
WA
Nahmias
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015144:Southeastern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044465:White People
D000914:Antibodies, Viral