A cross-sectional study of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in college students: occurrence and determinants of infection

J Infect Dis. 1990 Aug;162(2):306-12. doi: 10.1093/infdis/162.2.306.

Abstract

Occurrence rates and determinants of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) were measured in first- and fourth-year undergraduate students at a state university. This cross-sectional multistage probability sample survey included sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior patterns, disease history, and HSV type-specific antibody status. The prevalence of HSV-1 antibody was 37.2% in freshmen and 46.1% in fourth-year students; that for HSV-2 antibody was 0.4% and 4.3%, respectively. A history of cold sores was obtained in 25.6% of the freshmen; none had a history of manifest genital herpes. A history of cold sores was obtained in 28% and a history of genital herpes in 1.1% of the fourth-year students. The case-weighted prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies was found to be significantly elevated for a number of student characteristics. However, multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that the significant predictors of HSV-1 antibodies in this population were female gender, black race, first intercourse at age less than or equal to 15 years, total years of sexual activity, history of a partner with oral sores, and a personal history of a non-HSV sexually transmitted disease (STD). Predictors of HSV-2 antibody were black race, duration of sexual activity, and history of a non-HSV STD.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Black or African American
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications
  • Herpes Genitalis / epidemiology
  • Herpes Labialis / complications
  • Herpes Labialis / epidemiology
  • Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Herpes Simplex / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / complications
  • Simplexvirus / immunology
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Southeastern United States / epidemiology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • White People

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral