The acceptance of HSV-testing partners of HSV-2 seronegative pregnant women

To estimate the acceptance of HSV testing partners of HSV seronegative pregnant women and identify associated factors.

Consecutive women identified as HSV-2 seronegative during routine testing in pregnancy were asked to invite their partners for HSV testing to identify serodiscordance. Logistic regression identified factors associated with partner testing.

Between 2001 to 2006, 315 women enrolled (28% of those approached) and 242 (77%) partners were tested. Married couples were most likely to be tested [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.72, 95% CI: 2.47-24.15]. Partners of black women (aOR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.71), and those with at least a college degree (aOR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.98) were less likely to be tested.

In this population, partner testing among HSV-2 seronegative women was feasible which supports further study to determine if identification of partners who pose a potential risk of HSV infection during pregnancy is an effective approach to reduce HSV acquisition in pregnant women.