Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Age-specific prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 2 and 1: a global review
Jennifer S Smith1, N Jamie Robinson
1International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Unit of Field and Intervention Studies, 69372 Lyon, France. smith@iarc.fr
Abstract:
Information on age- and sex-specific prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 2 and 1 infections is essential to optimize genital herpes control strategies, which increase in importance because accumulating data indicate that HSV-2 infection may increase acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. This review summarizes data from peer-reviewed publications of type-specific HSV seroepidemiologic surveys. HSV-2 prevalence is, in general, highest in Africa and the Americas, lower in western and southern Europe than in northern Europe and North America, and lowest in Asia. HSV-2 and -1 prevalence, overall and by age, varies markedly by country, region within country, and population subgroup. Age-specific HSV-2 prevalence is usually higher in women than men and in populations with higher risk sexual behavior. HSV-2 prevalence has increased in the United States but national data from other countries are unavailable. HSV-1 infection is acquired during childhood and adolescence and is markedly more widespread than HSV-2 infection. Further studies are needed in many geographic areas.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Herpes
Chickenpox
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Genital Herpes

