Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 and characteristics associated with undiagnosed infection: New York City, 2004.
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is associated with substantial morbidity and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. We describe HSV-2 seroprevalence in adult New Yorkers, and examine the relationship between select characteristics, infection, and diagnosis.


METHODS
HSV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors were measured using the 2004 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey of adults. HSV-2 seroprevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed for select characteristics. Associations between proposed risk factors and HSV-2 infection and diagnosis were estimated using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios.


RESULTS
Nearly 28% of adults were infected with HSV-2; 88.4% of HSV-2 positive persons were undiagnosed. Black women had the highest seroprevalence (59.7%) of any sex or race/ethnicity group. Women, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic whites), and men who have sex with men were at greater odds of HSV-2 infection. Among HSV-2 infected individuals, non-Hispanic blacks (vs. non-Hispanic whites), uncircumcised men, and those with no routine place of care were less likely to be diagnosed.


CONCLUSIONS
HSV-2 is highly prevalent and largely undiagnosed in New York City; seroprevalence varies by subgroup. Targeted HSV-2 screening, counseling and treatment may help reduce transmission of HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus.
Schillinger
Julia A
JA
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York 10013, USA. jschilli@health.nyc.gov
McKinney
Christy M
CM
Garg
Renu
R
Gwynn
R Charon
RC
White
Kellee
K
Lee
Francis
F
Blank
Susan
S
Thorpe
Lorna
L
Frieden
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000914:Antibodies, Viral