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Prevalence of HSV-2 in the U.S.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is transmitted by sexual contact and can cause vesicular and ulcerative lesions, primarily in the genital area. However, most infected persons never have symptoms and are unaware of the infection. Because the virus is periodically shed in genital secretions, these persons are potentially contagious to sexual partners. The best method for detecting HSV-2 infections in the general population is measuring type-specific serum antibodies.

This study determined the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in a nationally representative sample of persons surveyed from 1988 to 1994. The overall rate of positivity in persons 12 years and older was 21.9%. The strongest independent predictors of infection were female sex, black race or Mexican-American ethnic background, older age, and lifetime number of sexual partners. Only a small percentage of seropositive persons reported a history of genital herpes infection. Compared with a similar survey conducted from 1976 to 1980, the age-adjusted seroprevalence rose by 30%, with the greatest relative increase among young whites.

Comment: These results indicate that about 45 million Americans are infected with HSV-2 and that the prevalence of infection has risen. This rise has occurred despite a strong educational program aimed at preventing sexually transmitted diseases through such approaches as more extensive condom use. Controlling HSV-2 infection will require more effective educational approaches to promote safe sexual behavior or other preventive measures, such as vaccines.

— JV Hirschmann

Published in Journal Watch Dermatology December 1, 1997

Citation(s):

Fleming DT et al. Herpes simplex virus type 2 in the United States, 1976 to 1994. N Engl J Med 1997 337 1105-1111.

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