Sex with women as a risk factor for herpes simplex virus type 2 among young men who have sex with men in Baltimore.
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus type 2 is common among MSM and is a risk factor for transmission of HIV. The findings of studies investigating the relationship between infection with HSV-2 and number of sex partners among MSM are inconsistent and rarely distinguish between male and female partners.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and risk factors for infection with HSV-2, including the number and gender of sex partners, in a group of MSM in Baltimore, MD.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study among young MSM in Baltimore.


RESULTS
Of the blood samples from 824 participants, 19.3% had HSV-2 antibodies. After adjusting for known HSV-2 correlates, independent predictors of HSV-2 seropositivity included HIV seropositivity, black race, older age, number of lifetime female sex partners, recent unprotected receptive anal intercourse with a man.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that female sex partners may be an important source of HSV-2 infection among young bisexual MSM. After adjusting for known HSV-2 correlates, the number of lifetime female but not male sex partners was independently associated with HSV-2. These results highlight the need for HSV-2 prevention and treatment efforts targeting MSM who also have sex with women. Future investigations of HSV-2 and sexual behavior among MSM need to distinguish between male and female sex partners.
Mark
Hayley D
HD
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. hmark1@son.jhmi.edu
Sifakis
Frangiscos
F
Hylton
John B
JB
Celentano
David D
DD
Mackellar
Duncan A
DA
Valleroy
Linda A
LA
Zenilman
Jonathan
J
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D001727:Bisexuality; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners
D000914:Antibodies, Viral