title: [Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in two clinics for sexually transmitted diseases in Santiago, Chile].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), is found in 3.8% of all sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in Chile.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and to identify an association between HSV-2 and HIV-1, other STD, and to study its demographic characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study at two STD public clinics in Santiago was conducted among 200 consecutive patients. Samples were tested for HSV-2, HIV-1, syphilis and hepatitis B virus surface antigen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The seroprevalence for HSV-2 was 43%. Four patients had a history of genital herpes. There was a strong association between HSV-2 infection and HIV-1 positivity (OR=8.7, 95% CI 3.4-22.4, p <0.001) and the condition of being a sexual worker (OR=4.5, 95% CI 1.7-11.9, p <0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high association with HIV-1 and sexual workers, emphasizes the need of having HSV-2 specific diagnostic tests, counseling on sign and symptom recognition and taking preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Virología ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile. mmartine@med.uchile.cl
authors.forename: María José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Navarrete
authors.forename: Ester
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Santander
authors.forename: María Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Garmendia
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gubelin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis