Seroprevalence and coinfection with herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in the United States, 1988-1994.
Seroprevalence of and coinfection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in the United States were analyzed by use of data from a nationally representative survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-1994). Evidence was explored for possible protection by prior HSV-1 infection against infection and clinical disease with HSV-2. Overall, 27.1% of persons aged > or =12 years were seronegative for HSV-1 and HSV-2; 51.0% were seropositive for HSV-1 only, 5.3% for HSV-2 only, and 16.6% for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was higher in persons with HSV-1 antibody. Approximately 76% of persons who had HSV-2 antibody also had HSV-1 antibody. Persons seropositive for HSV-2 only reported a history of genital herpes more frequently (16.2%) than persons seropositive for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 (5.9%). The seroprevalence of HSV-1 and age at infection may influence the epidemiology of clinical genital herpes, even if prior HSV-1 infection does not prevent HSV-2 infection.
Xu
Fujie
F
Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-06, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. fax1@cdc.gov
Schillinger
Julia A
JA
Sternberg
Maya R
MR
Johnson
Robert E
RE
Lee
Francis K
FK
Nahmias
Andre J
AJ
Markowitz
Lauri E
LE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology