Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 in US ...( entrated in persons aged 14 to 19 years...),Health

The authors write that the reasons that HSV-2 seroprevalence significantly decreased even after accounting for changes in measured sexual behaviors may include a combination of unmeasured factors, such as careful partner selection, condom use, and/or choosing oral sex over vaginal sex.

Seroprevalence of HSV-1 decreased from 62.0 percent in 1988-1994 to 57.7 percent in 1999-2004, a relative decrease of 6.9 percent between the 2 surveys. Among persons infected with HSV-1 but not with HSV-2, a higher percentage reported having been diagnosed with genital herpes in 1999-2004 compared with 1988-1994 (1.8 percent vs. 0.4 percent, respectively).

The researchers add that a decrease in HSV-1 seroprevalence in the United States is not unexpected due to improvements in living and hygiene conditions.

"The ability to monitor HSV-1 seroprevalence along with HSV-2 seroprevalence in NHANES is important for the development of HSV-2 prevention strategies, such as those related to vaccination. The changes in HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence will also directly affect the cause of neonatal herpes. Future studies are needed to monitor the changing HSV-1 and HSV-2 trends and to develop effective strategies to prevent HSV infection," the authors conclude.

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JAMA and Archives Journals
22-Aug-2006