A Wald1, L Koutsky, R L Ashley, L Corey. 1. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98144, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The sexual behavioral correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in the general population have not been well characterized. GOALS: To assess demographic and sexual behavioral correlates of symptomatic and subclinical HSV-2 infection. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 922 randomly chosen patients and 78 of their partners (1,000 total) in a family practice. Sexual behavior information was collected in 492 people. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five (23%) heterosexual people had HSV-2 infection, but only 59 (26%) reported a history of genital herpes. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 63% in African-American women, 27% in white women, 40% in African-American men, and 12% in white men. In multivariate analyses of risk factors for HSV-2 infection among men, 10 or more sexual partners and a prior STD were statistically significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. Among white women, number of sexual partners, a prior STD, marriage or cohabitation, and less than a college education were predictive of HSV-2 infection. A history of oral sex was the only statistically significant predictor of HSV-2 infection in African-American women. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for HSV-2 infection differ by gender and ethnic group. Traditionally recognized behavioral correlates of STD acquisition may not identify people in communities with high prevalence of HSV-2 infection.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The sexual behavioral correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in the general population have not been well characterized. GOALS: To assess demographic and sexual behavioral correlates of symptomatic and subclinical HSV-2 infection. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 922 randomly chosen patients and 78 of their partners (1,000 total) in a family practice. Sexual behavior information was collected in 492 people. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five (23%) heterosexual people had HSV-2 infection, but only 59 (26%) reported a history of genital herpes. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 63% in African-American women, 27% in white women, 40% in African-American men, and 12% in white men. In multivariate analyses of risk factors for HSV-2 infection among men, 10 or more sexual partners and a prior STD were statistically significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. Among white women, number of sexual partners, a prior STD, marriage or cohabitation, and less than a college education were predictive of HSV-2 infection. A history of oral sex was the only statistically significant predictor of HSV-2 infection in African-American women. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for HSV-2 infection differ by gender and ethnic group. Traditionally recognized behavioral correlates of STD acquisition may not identify people in communities with high prevalence of HSV-2 infection.
Authors: R L Tideman; J Taylor; C Marks; C Seifert; G Berry; B Trudinger; A Cunningham; A Mindel Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2001-12 Impact factor: 3.519
Authors: Jun Jie Wang; Zhi Bin Zhu; Xi Yang; Jing Wu; Hai Bo Wang; Lin Feng; Guo Wei Ding; Jessie L Norris; Ning Wang Journal: Biomed Environ Sci Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 3.118
Authors: Junia Rodrigues; Beatriz Grinsztejn; Francisco I Bastos; Luciane Velasque; Paula M Luz; Claudia T V de Souza; Ingebourg Georg; Jose H Pilotto; Valdilea G Veloso Journal: BMC Infect Dis Date: 2009-04-01 Impact factor: 3.090