Seroprevalence of sexually transmitted viruses in Korean populations including HIV-seropositive individuals.

In order to investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) in Korean populations, the prevalence of specific antibodies to herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and surface antigen to hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) was evaluated in blood donors (n = 200), voluntary visitors for STI testing in public health centre (n = 204), HIV seropositive individuals (n = 200) and commercial sex workers (CSWs) (n = 200). All blood samples were tested using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits that detect type-specific IgG to HSV-2 and HBsAg and anti-HCV. The prevalence of type-specific IgG to HSV-2 among the above four groups was 5.0%, 21.9%, 65.0% and 71.0%, respectively. The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 0% in blood donors, 7.0% of visitors for STI, 7.5% of HIV infected individuals and 1.2% in CSWs. That of anti-HCV was 0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.3%, respectively. This study underlines the very high seroprevalence of STVs, especially HSV-2, in the group at high risk of STI. The prevalences of HCV in CSWs and HIV infected individuals were two to three times higher than STI patients. It means sexual transmission might be a possible route of transmission of HCV, because HIV infection is closely related with sexual behaviour in Korea. The spread of HSV-2 is dependent on sexual transmission and that the presence of antibody to HSV-2 may be suitable for use as a serological marker of the degree at risk of STI.