title: Herpes simplex virus type-2 and human immunodeficiency virus infections in a rural population in Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) and its association with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in rural Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Oria village from March to June 2005 involving all individuals aged 15-44 years with permanent address in the village. Following an informed written consent, participants gave blood for HIV-1 testing and further interviewed regarding their risk behaviours. All HIV cases and randomly selected controls were tested for HSV-2 antibodies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The weighted HSV-2 seroprevalence estimate in the whole population was 33.2%. The HSV-2 seroprevalence was 87.5% and 29.5% among HIV-1 seropositive cases and seronegative controls respectively (Odds ratio (OR) 2.9; 95% Confidence interval: 1.9-4.3). After adjusting for sexual risk behaviors, the association between HSV-2 and HIV-1 infections remained strong (adjusted OR 14.1; CI: 5.0-28.3). Multiple sexual partners, transactional sex and unprotected casual sex were independently associated with HIV-1 infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate that HSV-2 is highly prevalent in rural communities in Tanzania and strongly associated with HIV-1 infection. Sexual risk behaviours may play a major role in the transmission of both HSV-2 and HIV-1 infection. Due to lack of HSV-2 suppressive antiretroviral therapy in this and similar communities, prevention through promotion of behavioural change might be the most important strategy to mitigate HSV-2 and HIV-1 transmission.
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbilu University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O.Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. eliajelia@yahoo.co.uk
authors: Elia John
authors: EJ
authors: Mmbaga
authors: Germana Henry
authors: GH
authors: Leyna
authors: Babil
authors: B
authors: Stray-Pedersen
authors: Knut-Inge
authors: KI
authors: Klepp
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G