New estimates of herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence in England: 'high' but stable seroprevalence over the last decade.
OBJECTIVE
There have been few recent population-based herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence studies in England, but reports from the United States have indicated a 30% rise in HSV-2 seroprevalence between 1976 and 1994. This study aimed to ascertain trends in HSV-2 infection in England between 1991 and 2000.


METHODS
Anonymized serum residues collected through public health laboratories across England from individuals aged 16 to 64 years seeking health care through the National Health Service in 1991 (n = 2259) and 2000 (n = 3646) were tested for anti-HSV-2 IgG using the HerpeSelect 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgG (Focus).


RESULTS
In 9 sites across England, the age- and sex-standardized HSV-2 seroprevalence was 9.7% (95% confidence interval, 8.4-11.0%). Data from 4 sites common to both study years indicated no change in HSV-2 seroprevalence between 1991 and 2000.


CONCLUSIONS
After adjustment for age, sex, and geographic location, there was no evidence of a change in seroprevalence between 1991 and 2000.
Morris-Cunnington
Marianne
M
Immunisation Division, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, UK. Marianne.C.Cunnington@gsk.com
Brown
David
D
Pimenta
Jeanne
J
Robinson
Noah Jamie
NJ
Miller
Elizabeth
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies