Herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity among urban adults in Africa: results from two cross-sectional surveys in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Although several surveys investigating the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection using type-specific immunologic assays have been carried out in Africa, none has examined the risk factors for HSV-2 infection in a representative sample from an urban adult population. GOALS: To estimate the prevalence of HSV-2 infection in the adult population of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to identify risk factors for HSV-2 infection. STUDY DESIGN: Two cross-sectional surveys, one community-based (June to September 1996, n = 506) and one factory-based (February to November 1997, n = 657), were conducted. Samples were tested for HSV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using type-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA). RESULTS: In the community-based survey, HSV-2 prevalence increased with age until 25 years, then leveled off at 50% in both genders. The same independent predictors of HSV-2 infection were identified in both genders: older age, higher lifetime number of sexual partners, positive HIV serology, and positive Treponema pallidum hemagglutination serology. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the high prevalence of HSV-2 infection among adults in an African urban population and its association with HIV infection. Prevention of HSV-2 and other sexually transmitted infections through partner reduction and condom use should be encouraged.

Authors: Mihret, W; Rinke de Wit, T; Petros, B; Mekonnen, Y; Tsegaye, A

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Sexually transmitted diseases
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 175-181
• Publication date: 2002-03-01
• DOI: 10.1097/00007435-200203000-00008
• EISSN: 1537-4521
• ISSN: 0148-5717
• Language: English
• Keywords: Male; HIV Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Age Distribution; Africa, Eastern; Adolescent; Ethiopia; Sexual Behavior; Female; Population Surveillance; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Urban Population; Adult; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Humans; Herpes Genitalis