Acceptance and Outcome of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibody Testing in Patients Attending an STD Clinic - Recognized and Unrecognized Infections

Abstract

The majority of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infections are asymptomatic. We wanted to evaluate the acceptance of HSV-2 antibody testing among people attending an STD clinic and to estimate, after counselling, the percentage of recognized and unrecognized HSV-2 infections. First visitors to an STD clinic were invited to participate by answering a questionnaire and taking a blood test for HSV-2 antibodies. HSV-2 seropositive individuals, who were unaware of having genital herpes, were offered an HSV-2 counselling visit and follow-up. Of 1769 patients offered testing, 57% accepted. Of 152 (15%) HSV-2 seropositive individuals, 41% had a self-reported history of genital herpes, approximately 30% had genital symptoms and 30% had no genital symptoms. The percentage of patients reporting genital symptoms was much higher in HSV-2 seropositives (45%) without a history of genital herpes than in an HSV-2 seronegative group (28%). HSV-2 antibody testing should be performed generously in all cases of uncharacteristic genital symptoms.

Decreasing Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Antibodies in Selected Groups of Women in Sweden

“…The 1980s saw widespread campaigns and information about how to avoid being infected with HIV, and interview data have confirmed that this resulted in a change in sexual behaviour towards safer sex and a lower number of sexual partners (18). Other explanations for the lower incidence of HSV-2 could be the increasing use of antiviral therapy, awareness of atypical presentation and silent transmission ofthe infection (8). The incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 has increased (19).…”

“…Clinical data and an analysis of drop-outs have been published earlier (8). Of the 483 women offered testing 290 (60%) accepted and were included in the present study.…”