Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and type 2 in the Frankfurt am Main area, Germany

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are widespread human infectious agents that are responsible for persistent and latent infections. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infection is usually transmitted sexually, while HSV type I (HSV-1) is commonly acquired by saliva contact during childhood. In a retrospective study, sera from more than 4,800 patients were analyzed for HSV type-specific IgG antibodies. In people older than 15 years, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 showed no statistically significant discrepancy between the control group (76.3% in females and 75.2% in males), HIV-infected patients (82.8% in females and 84.3% in males), and organ transplant (OTX) recipients (90.3% in females and 86.3% in males) (P>0.05). Age-related analysis of the control group showed that there is an age-dependent increase of HSV-1 seroprevalence in both sexes, reaching its peak in those aged 40 years and older (women 85.4%, men 82.8%). The only age group in which there is a significantly higher seropositivity rate in women than in men is in those aged between 15 and 39 years, with 70.8% versus 63.7% (P<0.05). As with HSV-1, there is an age-related increase of the HSV-2 seroprevalence; however, this increase starts later in life, with the onset of sexual activity. The HSV-2 prevalence across all age groups was highest in female prostitutes (78.0%) and among HIV-infected patients (women 64.1%, men 54.3%); this contrasts with the control group (overall women 17%, men 12.5%; those above 15 years of age, women 18%, men 13.8%) and the OTX patients (women 22.6%, men 9.8%). In the control group the rate of positivity increases with age and peaks in the group older than 40 years (24.2% in women and 16.2% in men). In females the seroprevalence is always elevated compared with males. The data presented show that female sex and older age are independent predictors of HSV-2 seropositivity, while immunosuppression is not. Our additional data show no evidence of a statistically significant humoral HSV-1/HSV-2 cross-immunity. People with HSV-1 serum antibodies have no lower risk of HSV-2 seropositivity than those lacking antibodies to HSV-1. The same is true when investigating HSV-1 seroprevalence rates in HSV-2-seropositive or -negative individuals, retrospectively.

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Different Risk Groups: Thirty Years after the Onset of HIV

“…As can been seen from table 1, the seroprevalence of anti-HSV2-IgG in the German general population in 2011 was higher in comparison to general populations from other countries. When comparing our recent findings (13.6%, 95% CI 13.1–14.1) with the investigation of 2000 (seropositivity was 12.8%, 95% CI 11.9–13.8) [21,22], we observed a slight increase of seroprevalence. However, before assuming a true increase, further investigations have to clarify this upward trend.…”

“…Cesarean section should therefore not only be considered in the case of active HSV2 infection at the time of delivery, but also in the case of dormant infections. Then again, the crux is that women are known to be at higher risk of acquiring HSV2 infections [21]. By means of a larger mucosal surface in the genital tract in females than in males (or in the receiving than the giving part in homosexual intercourse, respectively), the risk of infection by unprotected sexual intercourse is higher for women than men (or for the receiving than the giving partner, respectively).…”

Current Concepts in the Management of Herpes Simplex Anterior Segment Eye Disease

“…Seroprevalence of HSV ranges from 50 to 90 % in the general adult populations [2]. The annual incidence of all types of new ocular HSV infections has recently been estimated at 11.8 per 100,000 people in the US [3].…”

Herpes-simplex-Virusinfektionen

“…Auslösende Faktoren des chronisch rezidivierenden Herpes sind vielfälti-ger Natur. Prinzipiell werden 3 Arten von Auslösern unterschieden: H i e r s t e h t e i n e A n z e i g e T h i s i s a n a d v e r t i s e m e n t Infizierten ausgegangen [31]. Pro Jahr ist rechnerisch mit ca.…”

“…Für Deutschland ermittelten Rabenau et al die HSV-1-und HSV-2-Seroprävalenz mit 73,8% bzw. 15,1% [31]. Die Arbeitsgruppe um Buxbaum konnte für unser Land eine gewisse Stabilität der HSV-Epidemiologie nachweisen.…”