The epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in low-income urban populations in coastal Peru

Kelika A. Konda, Jeffrey D. Klausner, Andres G. Lescano, Segundo Leon, Franca R. Jones, Jose Pajuelo, Carlos F. Caceres, Thomas J. Coates, David Celentano, Tyler Hartwell, Danuta Kaspck, Willo Pequegnat, Mary Jane Rotheram, Suniti Solomon, Godfrey Woelk, Zunyou Wu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in general and socially marginalized populations of low-income, urban, coastal Peru. Study: Two low-income populations were administered an epidemiologic survey and serologic tests, determining risk behavior, HSV-2, and HIV prevalence. Results: In the socially marginalized population, HSV-2 prevalence was 72.3% in men who have sex only with men (MSOM), 42.5% in women, and 20.7% in men. In the general population, HSV-2 prevalence was 20.5% in women and 7.1% in men. In all groups except the male general population, HSV-2 prevalence increased with age or number of sexually active years (both P <0.001). HSV-2 infection was associated with HIV infection in MSOM (P <0.023) and other socially marginalized men (P <0.01). Conclusion: HSV-2 was common in both low-income populations, and control programs are needed in Peru given high prevalence and association with HIV infection. Prevention of HSV-2 infection should target individuals before they become sexually active.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)534-541
Number of pages8
JournalSexually transmitted diseases
Volume32
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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