Prevalence and correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection: evaluation of behavioural risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence and correlates of infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic attenders, we studied the prevalence of antibodies to HSV-2 and their association with risk behaviour.


METHODS
Data were collected in a cross-sectional study among STD clinic attenders in Amsterdam. Seropositivity for HSV-2 was determined in 1798 serum samples by means of a monoclonal antibody-blocking enzyme-linked immunoassay.


RESULTS
The prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was higher than expected: 32.3% in a population in which 3% had current genital herpes and 8% gave a history of genital herpes. Of those with HSV-2 antibodies, only 18% had a history of genital herpes. A strong independent association with the presence of HSV-2 antibodies was found for sexual behaviour, more specifically: homosexual orientation, increasing number of years of sexual activity, increasing number of lifetime partners, number of past gonococcal infections, having receptive anal and (or) vaginal contact.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of HSV-2 antibodies had a strong association with past sexual behaviour and, for both sexes, with receptive anal intercourse. HSV-2 antibodies may be used as a surrogate marker of sexual risk behaviour in comparing different populations over time.
van de Laar
M J
MJ
Department for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Termorshuizen
F
F
Slomka
M J
MJ
van Doornum
G J
GJ
Ossewaarde
J M
JM
Brown
D W
DW
Coutinho
R A
RA
van den Hoek
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012698:Serologic Tests; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior
D000914:Antibodies, Viral