P180 Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in An STD Clinic in Miami

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Pre-Function Lobby & Grand Ballroom D2/E (M4) (Omni Hotel)
Maya Morrison-Bryant, MBBS, Department of Infectious Disease, University of Miami, Miami, FL, Khaled Deeb, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL and Jose Castro, Infectious Disease, University of Miami, Miami, FL

Background: Interest in the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and -2 is increasing mainly due to the synergistic relationship between HSV, STI and the HIV epidemic. There has been no proposed explanation for the AIDS epidemic occurring in Florida, with a concentration of cases in Miami. Prevalence of HSV-1 and -2 among STD clinics in Miami is not known. HSV seroprevalence rates will not explain why Miami is a “hot spot” for HIV/AIDS cases, but certainly may add a piece to the puzzle.

Objectives: To evaluate herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 rates in a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic and to describe rates by gender and age.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with HSV specific serology obtained during 2007 was performed.  

Results: A total of 364 individuals were screened for type-specific HSV-1 and -2 antibodies. Overall HSV-1 and -2 seropositivity was 72.8% and 46.15% respectively. HSV-1 infection rates were higher in females 97/124 (78.2%) compared to males 168/240 (70%); p = 0.095. HSV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in females 74/124 (59.7%) than in males 94/240 (39.2%); p <0.001. The over 29 year age group had higher HSV-1 (142/185, 76.7%) rates compared with those younger than 29 years (122/178, 68.55%); p = 0.079. However, the difference was again significant for HSV-2 when compared by age, 113/185 (61%) vs 54/178 (30.3%) respectively; p< 0.001. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in positive serology rates by gender and age.

Conclusions: There is a very high rate of HSV-1 and -2 infections in this community. The female sex and those over 29 years of age were found to be at increased risk of HSV-2 infection.  

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: Efforts to decrease acquisition in the younger and female populations should be a focus of STD prevention programs.

See more of: Poster Session 2
See more of: Oral and Poster