[Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in two clinics for sexually transmitted diseases in Santiago, Chile].
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.
Martínez
María José
MJ
Programa de Virología ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile. mmartine@med.uchile.cl
Navarrete
Nelson
N
Santander
Ester
E
Garmendia
María Luisa
ML
Gubelin
Walter
W
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