MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF INFECTION CAUSED BY HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2
Infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, is of interest of researchers all around the world because of its high prevalence in the population, high number of asymptomatic carriers and severity of possible consequences in pregnant women and newborns. Herpes simplex virus is a marker of sexual behavior in the population, as well as a frequent co-factor of HIV infection. In Russia epidemiology of virus herpes simplex type 2 is under-investigated. The purpose of the study was to determine prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 among adult population in Arkhangelsk and to evaluate social and behavioral factors associated with this infection. Methods. The conducted population-based cross-sectional study combines investigation of biological indicators (determination of blood immunoglobulin G to herpes simplex virus type 2) with data on behavioral risk factors. We used a quota sampling method to create a representative sample of the adult population in Arkhangelsk aged 18-39 years. Results. The majority of 1243 participants were females (56%), 44% were men. According to the laboratory tests, 18.8% of the participants were positive on immunoglobulin G to herpes simplex virus type 2. In multiple logistic regression analysis for men the increasing age, marital status and history of sexually transmitted infections were significantly associated with seropositivity on herpes simplex type 2. In multiple logistic regression analysis for women the increasing age, high income level, lifetime number of sexual partners were significantly associated with herpes simplex type 2 seropositivity. Sexual debut at the age of 18 years and over was significant as a protective factor for women only. Conclusion. Factors associated with herpes simplex type 2 infection in our study do not significantly differ compared with the results in other countries. High prevalence of infection among women of childbearing age reveals the potential risk of transmission from mother to child, and suggests an increased risk of HIV infection in women. Our findings will be useful to develop multilateral strategies aimed at preventing herpes simplex type 2 and other sexually transmitted infections in the North-West of Russia.