Minimal change in HSV-2 seroreactivity: a cross-sectional Swedish population study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Understanding HSV-2 prevalence trends is crucial for public health strategies.
• Previous studies suggested potential shifts in HSV prevalence patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibodies in Swedish adult populations.
• To analyze changes in HSV-2 seroprevalence between two distinct time periods (1990/91 and 1996/97).
• To investigate potential correlations between HSV-1 and HSV-2 seropositivity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2899 adult sera from two Swedish cross-sectional populations.
• Utilized a glycoprotein G2 (gG-2) peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody detection.
• Compared seroprevalence data between the 1990/91 and 1996/97 cohorts.

Main Results:

• HSV-2 antibody prevalence was 13.0% in 1990/91 and 16.4% in 1996/97.
• Seropositivity was higher in women (14.4% vs 11.6% in 1990/91; 18.9% vs 13.6% in 1996/97).
• No evidence suggested that increased HSV-1 infections reduced HSV-2 rates in sexually active groups.

Conclusions:

• No significant increase in HSV-2 seroprevalence was observed in the studied Swedish populations over the defined period.
• HSV-2 prevalence showed a slight increase, with higher rates consistently found in females.
• Co-infection with HSV-1 is common among HSV-2 positive individuals.