Prevalence and risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies among low- and high-risk populations in Indonesia.
OBJECTIVE
Data on prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are limited in Asia. This study investigated the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, antibodies to HSV-2 among low- and high-risk, predominantly asymptomatic populations in Indonesia.


METHODS
We screened women attending maternal and child health, obstetric, gynecology, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics; men attending STI clinics; and female sex workers (FSWs) for type-specific HSV-2 antibodies using the HerpesSelect 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgG and Western blot.


RESULTS
HSV-2 antibodies were detected in 153 of 176 FSWs (86.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.0-91.5); increasing age was the only significant independent risk factor (odds ratio [OR], 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.24; P = 0.001). Among non-sex worker females, HSV-2 antibodies were detected in 78 of 418 (18.7%; 95% CI, 15.0-22.7); significant independent associations were any contraceptive use (OR, 2.24, 95% CI = 1.33-3.85, P = 0.003), symptoms or signs of genital ulcer (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.27-5.70; P = 0.01) and younger age of sexual debut (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99; P = 0.03). HSV-2 antibodies were detected in 25 of 116 men (21.6%; 95% CI, 14.5-30.1).


CONCLUSIONS
HSV-2 seroprevalence reported here is in the upper range of that reported in nearby regions. Health promotion is needed to encourage affected individuals to recognize symptoms of genital herpes and seek care and advice on reducing transmission. The high seroprevalence among FSWs has potentially serious implications for the HIV epidemic in Indonesia.
Davies
Stephen C
SC
Sexual Health Service, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia. stephen@daviesandco.org
Taylor
Janette A
JA
Sedyaningsih-Mamahit
Endang R
ER
Gunawan
Suriadi
S
Cunningham
Anthony L
AL
Mindel
Adrian
A
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral