Seroprevalence and correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among young adults in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundHerpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide. Mother to child transmission causes high morbidity and mortality among infants. Russia is on the brink of a generalized HIV-epidemic, but Arkhangelsk is still a low-prevalence area. HSV-2 infection is associated with a three-fold increased risk of HIV-infection. The evidence on the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in Russia is limited. The aim of this study was to assess HSV-2 seroprevalence and correlates among young adults in the city of Arkhangelsk.Methods1243 adults aged 18-39 years participated in a cross-sectional population-based study, recruited by a public opinion agency applying a quota sampling method to achieve a data set with similar age- and sex-distribution as the population in Arkhangelsk. All participants completed a standardized, self-administrated questionnaire and were tested for HSV-2. Associations between HSV-2 seropositivity and selected sociodemographic and behavioral factors, and self-reported history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were studied by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsHSV-2 seroprevalence was 18.8 %: 12.2 % (95 % confidence interval, CI 9.7-15.2) among men and 24.0 % (95 % CI 20.1-27.3) among women. Among men, HSV-2 positivity was associated with being divorced/widowed (OR = 2.85, 95 % CI 1.06-7.70), cohabitation (OR = 2.45, 95 % CI 1.07-5.62), and a history of STIs (OR = 2.11, 95 % CI 1.14-3.91). In women, HSV-2 positivity was associated with high income (OR = 3.11, 95 % CI 1.45-6.71) and having a lifetime number of sexual partners between 2 and 5 (OR = 2.72, 95 % CI 1.14-6.51), whereas sexual debut at age 18 years or older was inversely associated with the outcome (OR = 0.47, 95 % CI 0.31-0.72). In both sexes, increasing age was the strongest correlate of HSV-2 seropositivity in multivariable analyses.ConclusionThe HSV-2 seroprevalence was twice as high in women than in men and increased with age in both sexes, and similar to that reported from high-prevalence countries in Europe and the USA. The high prevalence of HSV-2 among women in childbearing age reveals the potential for HSV-2 transmission from mothers to infants and increased risk of acquisition HIV-infection; it also contributes to the burden GUD among both sexes. This emphasizes the public health implications of the HSV-2 epidemic in an urban population in North-West Russia.

Seroprevalence of Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Associated Factors, and Vaccination Status in Young Adults in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Those who agreed to participate presented themselves at the University Clinic of the Northern State Medical University (NSMU) of Arkhangelsk to complete a self-administered questionnaire and provide a blood sample. The enrollment procedure was described previously in detail [ 15 ]. Data collection lasted from the end of September 2010 until June 2011.…”

“…We then categorized these responses as low (1–4), medium (5–7), and high (8–10) income. The description of most variables can be found elsewhere [ 15 ].…”

“…Blood samples were also tested for herpes simplex virus type 2 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgG antibodies against the specific HSV-2 glycoprotein g2 [ 15 ]. Main results on the hepatitis C testing are reported elsewhere.…”

Seroprevalence of markers of hepatitis C virus exposure and associated factors in adults aged 18-39 years in the Arctic Russian city of Arkhangelsk: a cross-sectional study

“…The variable "knowing someone with hepatitis C" was divided into "no", "yes", and "do not know". The description of other variables used in this study can be found elsewhere [17].…”

Genital herpes and HIV status: a clinical study

“…19 Titania et al conducted a study which included 1243 adults and found significant association with up to five sex partners. 7 2 out of 3 Adolescents reporting multiple partners in this study were HIV positive as in Table 5. These numbers may be small but indicate the need to address vulnerable populations through education, monitoring and counseling.…”