Sero-epidemiology of type--2 (genital) herpes simplex virus infection in Ibadan

Herpes Type 1 (HT-1) virus infection is prevalent in Ibadan, Nigeria. In a study to determine the prevalence of Herpes Type-2 (HT-2) virus infection in this environment by the complement fixation (CF) test, it was shown that antibodies to the virus were not found below the age of 14 years, after which there was a gradual rise from the 16-25-year age group to a peak in the 26-35-year age group. It was suggested that the pattern of distribution of HT-2 antibodies is compatible with the sexual habits of the different age groups, and is in support of the venereal mode of transmission of the virus.