z-logo
Premium
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 IN BRAZIL: SEROEPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY
Author(s) -
ROSASANTOS OMAR LUPI,
SILVA ANGELA GONÇALVES,
PEREIRA ANTORNIO CARLOS
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1996.tb02976.x
Subject(s) - medicine , virology , herpes simplex virus , virus
Background. The incidence of genital herpes is increasing worldwide. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV–2) is the most common cause of genital ulcerations among the sexually transmitted diseases (STDS). In order to investigate the sexual transmission of genital herpes infection in Brazil, the prevalence of specific antibodies to HSV‐2, in populations of high and low risk for STDS was evaluated. Methods. The population at low risk for STDS was composed of 155 voluntary blood donors at the University Hospitals between February and August, 1994. The population at high risk for STDS was composed of 85 HIV‐seropositive persons, consisting of homosexual and promiscuous heterosexual men. A group of 20 highly active prostitutes was also studied between May and July, 1994. All blood samples were screened using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects type‐specific antibodies to HSV–2 glycoprotein G. Before donating blood, all persons in the study group were given a questionnaire concerning risk factors for acquisition of STDS and suitable to show the socioepidemiologic characteristics of the subjects. Results. The prevalence of ELISA showing HSV–2 infections among HIV‐seroposite persons, was 73% (P < 0.01). In the whole group at high risk for STDS, the prevalence was 72% (P < 0.05). Infection with HSV‐2, as determined by seroprevalence, was significantly and independently associated with years of sexual activity, history of previous STDS, number of sexual partners in the previous month, number of pregnancies, and previous induced abortions, as well as the percentage of sexual acts involving receptive anal intercourse.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here