title: Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and 2 among sex workers attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore.
abstract: We studied the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and 2 in sex workers attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore and examined their knowledge and attitudes towards HSV infection. A total of 300 participants were recruited. Questionnaires were administered and blood was taken and analysed, using the HerpeSelect 1 and 2 Elisa IgG assays (type-specific serological test). HSV-1 serology was positive in 230 (76.7%), negative in 67 (22.3%) sex workers and indeterminate in three (1.0%) sex workers. HSV-2 serology was positive in 237 (79.0%) and negative in 63 (21.0%) sex workers. On univariate analysis, there was significant association between HSV-2 seropositivity and increasing age, nationality (locals) (P<0.001) and marital status (P<0.01). Adjusting for age, marital status and condom use, HSV-2 prevalence increased significantly with duration of years of practice of sex work. Most of the respondents (86.0%) were aware that HSV could be spread through sex without a condom and about two-thirds of them were aware that HSV could be spread in the absence of symptoms. In conclusion, HSV-2 is a common infection among sex workers in Singapore with the risk increasing with years of practice.
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore No 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205, Singapore. colintheng@nsc.gov.sg
authors.forename: T S C
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Theng
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: K W R
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral