Herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity among urban adults in Africa: results from two cross-sectional surveys in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Although several surveys investigating the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection using type-specific immunologic assays have been carried out in Africa, none has examined the risk factors for HSV-2 infection in a representative sample from an urban adult population.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of HSV-2 infection in the adult population of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to identify risk factors for HSV-2 infection.


METHODS
Two cross-sectional surveys, one community-based (June to September 1996, n = 506) and one factory-based (February to November 1997, n = 657), were conducted. Samples were tested for HSV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using type-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA).


RESULTS
In the community-based survey, HSV-2 prevalence increased with age until 25 years, then leveled off at 50% in both genders. The same independent predictors of HSV-2 infection were identified in both genders: older age, higher lifetime number of sexual partners, positive HIV serology, and positive Treponema pallidum hemagglutination serology.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed the high prevalence of HSV-2 infection among adults in an African urban population and its association with HIV infection. Prevention of HSV-2 and other sexually transmitted infections through partner reduction and condom use should be encouraged.
Mihret
Wude
W
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Rinke de Wit
Tobias F
TF
Petros
Beyene
B
Mekonnen
Yared
Y
Tsegaye
Aster
A
Wolday
Dawit
D
Beyene
Asfaw
A
Aklilu
Mathias
M
Sanders
Eduard
E
Fontanet
Arnaud L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000351:Africa, Eastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*