title: Genital herpes in Singapore.
abstract: As in many parts of the world, the incidence of genital herpes has increased in Singapore, the increase occurring sharply from 1982 onwards, and affecting females to a greater extent than males. Peak incidence in both sexes was found to occur in the 15-34 year age group. Changes in sexual practices, a decreasing prevalence of age-specific antibody to herpes simplex type 1 virus in sexually active adults, and greater interest in the disease following publicity in the media, are factors which have contributed to both a real and an apparent increase in incidence. However, the incidence in Malay males is very low, and neonatal herpes is extremely rare in the local population. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is responsible for about 30% of initial genital infections and an even higher proportion of primary genital herpes infections. Approximately 16% of purulent penile ulcers in Singapore are associated with genital herpes infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Ministry of Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Doraisingham
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thirumoorthy
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000145:classification; D012846:Singapore