Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 in attendees of a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore.
BACKGROUND
We studied the seroprevalance of HSV (herpes simplex virus)-1 and HSV-2 in outpatient attendees of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Singapore and examined their knowledge and attitudes towards HSV infection.


METHODS
Two hundred male and 200 female participants were recruited in the study. Questionnaires were administered and blood samples were taken and analysed using the HerpeSelect 1 and 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG assays (type-specific serological tests).


RESULTS
HSV-1 was positive in 223 (55.8%) individuals, negative in 175 (43.8%) and indeterminate in two (0.5%), whereas HSV-2 was positive in 114 (28.5%) individuals, negative in 284 (71.0%) and indeterminate in two (0.5%). The seroprevalance of HSV-2 was 26% and 31% in males and females, respectively. The correlation between a previous history of cold sores and HSV-1 infection was poor. On univariate analysis, there was a significant association with age, marital status and years of sex (P < 0.05) but after adjusting for confounders, none of the variables were significantly associated with HSV-2 seroprevalance. Most of the respondents (65.8%) were aware that herpes is an STI, whereas only half of them were aware of the possibility of asymptomatic transmission.


CONCLUSIONS
Although HSV-2 is a common infection among STI clinic attendees in Singapore, there is an unsatisfactory level of knowledge among the attendees about HSV infection and public education programs should be introduced to address this.
Theng
Colin T S
CT
National Skin Centre Singapore, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205. colintheng@nsc.gov.sg
Sen
Priya R
PR
Chio
Tze-Wei M
TW
Tan
Hiok H
HH
Wong
Mee L
ML
Chan
Roy K W
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000914:Antibodies, Viral