Age-specific prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 2 and 1: a global review

J Infect Dis. 2002 Oct 15:186 Suppl 1:S3-28. doi: 10.1086/343739.

Abstract

Information on age- and sex-specific prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 2 and 1 infections is essential to optimize genital herpes control strategies, which increase in importance because accumulating data indicate that HSV-2 infection may increase acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. This review summarizes data from peer-reviewed publications of type-specific HSV seroepidemiologic surveys. HSV-2 prevalence is, in general, highest in Africa and the Americas, lower in western and southern Europe than in northern Europe and North America, and lowest in Asia. HSV-2 and -1 prevalence, overall and by age, varies markedly by country, region within country, and population subgroup. Age-specific HSV-2 prevalence is usually higher in women than men and in populations with higher risk sexual behavior. HSV-2 prevalence has increased in the United States but national data from other countries are unavailable. HSV-1 infection is acquired during childhood and adolescence and is markedly more widespread than HSV-2 infection. Further studies are needed in many geographic areas.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Global Health*
  • Herpes Simplex / blood
  • Herpes Simplex / epidemiology*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sexual Behavior

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral