Seroprevalence of syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 and its association with sexual behaviour factors (a cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men in Manado, Indonesia)

Aims:  This study investigated the seroprevalence and sexual risk behavior factors associated with syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among men who have sex with men (MSM), in Manado, Indonesia. Methods:  Serum samples and questionnaires regarding their socio-demographic and sexual behaviour were collected from 60 MSM in Manado .  Samples were screened for anti-HSV-2 IgG for herpes, the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and the Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA) test for syphilis.  A cross sectional method was used in this study .  Results:  Of 60 MSM (median age was 20 years), 35% had homosexual orientation and 65% had bisexual orientation. First sexual intercourse of most participants (48.3%) within 16 to 18 years old. In the last 12 months, most participants (55%) had only one male sex partner. There were 63.3% and 16.7% participants performed oral and anal intercourse. About 23.3% participants used condom consistently, but only 35.7% used compatible lubricant. Seropositivity of VDRL and TPHA was detected in 5% participants and anti-HSV-2 IgG in 23.3% participants. The positive serology test for syphilis was associated with sexual intercourse mode (p= 0.001). Significant association was found between anti-HSV-2 IgG seropositivity and condom-use behaviour (p=0,028). Conclusions:  The study demonstrated 5% and 23.3% positivity of serology test for syphilis and anti-HSV-2 IgG respectively. Seropositivity of syphilis was correlated with oral and anal intercourse while HSV-2 with no condom-use behaviour among MSM in Manado, Indonesia. Keywords : syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2, men who have sex with men, sexual behaviou r, Manado