Prevalence of HSV-2 antibody in a Melbourne antenatal population attending a tertiary obstetric hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence rate in a Melbourne antenatal cohort.


METHODS
Prospective collection of serum and questionnaires in 1371 women attending an outpatient antenatal clinic.


METHODS
A tertiary obstetric hospital in metropolitan Melbourne.


METHODS
Women aged 18 years or older attending an antenatal clinic appointment.


METHODS
Seroprevalence rate of HSV-2 using an ELISA-based- type-specific serological assay.


RESULTS
The overall HSV-2 seroprevalence rate in women was 13.6%. Only 0.4% of assays were equivocal and required confirmation by Western blot analysis. By multivariate analysis, HSV-2 seroprevalence was found to be associated with increasing age (odds ratio (OR) 4.63; confidence interval (CI) 1.86, 11.52 for age greater than 40 years), increasing number of sexual partners (OR 4.07, CI 2.13, 7.7 for five or more) and a past history of genital herpes in the index case (OR 5.48, CI 2.77, 10.87) or in a current or previous partner (OR 8.29, CI 4.15 to 16.56).


CONCLUSIONS
HSV-2 seroprevalence rates in Melbourne are comparable to other similar populations in Australia. Routine antenatal screening for HSV-2 is probably not warranted but targeted screening based on numbers of sexual partners or a history of genital herpes in partners may be justified.
Sasadeusz
Joseph John
JJ
Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases, Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Joe.Sasadeusz@mh.org.au
Silvers
Julie Elizabeth
JE
Kent
Helen Elizabeth
HE
Devenish
Wayne
W
Hocking
Jane
J
Garland
Suzanne Marie
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
D000914:Antibodies, Viral