Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-2 in suburban primary care offices in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to estimate herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence from a weighted sample of adults attending relatively affluent, suburban primary care physician (PCP) offices.


OBJECTIVE
Many PCPs in relatively affluent areas do not believe national estimates of HSV-2 seroprevalence are representative of their patient populations. This study aimed to measure HSV-2 seroprevalence in these patient populations.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study with approximately 5400 individuals aged 18 to 59 years. Individuals were recruited at 36 PCP offices in 6 U.S. cities and tested for HSV-2 using Focus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A computer-assisted questionnaire was used to assess risk behaviors associated with genital herpes.


RESULTS
Among 5452 individuals who provided an analyzable blood sample, the overall weighted HSV-2 seroprevalence was 25.5% (95% confidence interval, 20.2-30.8%). Only 11.9% of HSV-2-seropositive patients reported a history of genital herpes.


CONCLUSIONS
Results illustrate the need for greater suburban PCP and patient awareness of the high HSV-2 seroprevalence in this setting.
Leone
Peter
P
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Fleming
Douglas T
DT
Gilsenan
Alicia W
AW
Li
Lei
L
Justus
Scott
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D018881:Suburban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology