Association between human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity among male factory workers in Zimbabwe

J Infect Dis. 1998 Feb;177(2):481-4. doi: 10.1086/517381.

Abstract

To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), to identify correlates of infection, and to describe the correlation with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity, 224 HIV-negative and 191 HIV-positive male factory workers in Zimbabwe were screened for HSV-2-specific antibodies. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 35.7% among HIV-negative subjects and 82.7% among HIV-positive subjects. The weighted estimate of HSV-2 seroprevalence in this population is 44.6%. The correlation between HIV and HSV-2 remained significant after controlling for multiple sex partners, paying for sex, and history of sexually transmitted disease (adjusted odds ratio, 8.0; 95% confidence interval, 4.8-13.1). If the association between HSV-2 and HIV is causal, then the high seroprevalence of HIV and HSV-2 suggests that suppressive HSV-2 treatment should be considered as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission in this population. HSV-2 seroconversion may be a suitable surrogate end point to evaluate HIV prevention interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Comorbidity
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications*
  • Herpes Genitalis / epidemiology*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Zimbabwe / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral