The epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in low-income urban populations in coastal Peru.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in general and socially marginalized populations of low-income, urban, coastal Peru.


METHODS
Two low-income populations were administered an epidemiologic survey and serologic tests, determining risk behavior, HSV-2, and HIV prevalence.


RESULTS
In the socially marginalized population, HSV-2 prevalence was 72.3% in men who have sex only with men (MSOM), 42.5% in women, and 20.7% in men. In the general population, HSV-2 prevalence was 20.5% in women and 7.1% in men. In all groups except the male general population, HSV-2 prevalence increased with age or number of sexually active years (both P <0.001). HSV-2 infection was associated with HIV infection in MSOM (P <0.023) and other socially marginalized men (P <0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
HSV-2 was common in both low-income populations, and control programs are needed in Peru given high prevalence and association with HIV infection. Prevention of HSV-2 infection should target individuals before they become sexually active.
Konda
Kelika A
KA
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Klausner
Jeffrey D
JD
Lescano
Andres G
AG
Leon
Segundo
S
Jones
Franca R
FR
Pajuelo
Jose
J
Caceres
Carlos F
CF
Coates
Thomas J
TJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D011203:Poverty; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014505:Urban Population
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies