J M Sizemore1, F Lakeman, R Whitley, A Hughes, E W Hook. 1. Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham 703 19th Street South, 242 Zeigler Research Building, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA. sizemore@uab.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: While nearly one in four Americans has antibodies to HSV-2, only one of 40 reports a history of genital herpes (GH). The goal of this study was to correlate questions designed to elicit a GH history with serological evidence of HSV-2 in male STD clinic attendees. METHODS: Consecutive males were enrolled in a study of the epidemiology of GH. Consenting men answered questionnaires regarding their histories of possible GH and underwent serological testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2. Association statistics between response to each question and HSV-2 serological status were calculated. RESULTS: Of 328 men enrolled, 148 (46%) had HSV-2 antibodies. 14 (4.3%) reported a history of GH when queried as part of a list of other STD (sensitivity (S) 0.08). 17 (5.2%) reported a history of GH when asked directly "Do you have genital herpes?" (S 0.09). 75 (21.1%) participants reported a history of a recurring genital sore, ulcer, or zipper cut (S 0.32). Overall, 64.2% of HSV-2 seropositive men answered "no" to all three questions. A "yes" response to any of the questions was only 36% sensitive for predicting HSV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Few HSV-2 infected men report either a history of GH or are aware that they are infected. Asking about a history of recurrent genital sores was a more sensitive historical marker of HSV-2 infection than asking about a history of "genital herpes."
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: While nearly one in four Americans has antibodies to HSV-2, only one of 40 reports a history of genital herpes (GH). The goal of this study was to correlate questions designed to elicit a GH history with serological evidence of HSV-2 in male STD clinic attendees. METHODS: Consecutive males were enrolled in a study of the epidemiology of GH. Consenting men answered questionnaires regarding their histories of possible GH and underwent serological testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2. Association statistics between response to each question and HSV-2 serological status were calculated. RESULTS: Of 328 men enrolled, 148 (46%) had HSV-2 antibodies. 14 (4.3%) reported a history of GH when queried as part of a list of other STD (sensitivity (S) 0.08). 17 (5.2%) reported a history of GH when asked directly "Do you have genital herpes?" (S 0.09). 75 (21.1%) participants reported a history of a recurring genital sore, ulcer, or zipper cut (S 0.32). Overall, 64.2% of HSV-2 seropositive men answered "no" to all three questions. A "yes" response to any of the questions was only 36% sensitive for predicting HSV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Few HSV-2 infectedmen report either a history of GH or are aware that they are infected. Asking about a history of recurrent genital sores was a more sensitive historical marker of HSV-2 infection than asking about a history of "genital herpes."
Authors: Sami L Gottlieb; John M Douglas; D Scott Schmid; Gail Bolan; Michael Iatesta; C Kevin Malotte; Jonathan Zenilman; Mark Foster; Anna E Barón; John F Steiner; Thomas A Peterman; Mary L Kamb Journal: J Infect Dis Date: 2002-10-23 Impact factor: 5.226
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