Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies in New Zealand sexual health clinic patients.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies in STD clinic patients in Auckland and Christchurch between August 1991 and August 1992.

METHODS

An unlinked anonymous HIV seroprevalence study was conducted in STD clinic patients in Auckland and Christchurch between August 1991 and August 1992. This cross-sectional seroprevalence study using stored sera and data from the HIV seroprevalence study, was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibody to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). A random sample of 300 sera were analysed, using a type specific indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) to HSV glycoprotein G2 (gG-2) with Western blot confirmation of equivocal results.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence was 25.7%. The seroprevalence increased up to age 50 years, but no significant differences were found for gender, or for European, Maori, or Pacific Island ethnic groups. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in sera obtained from patients attending the South Auckland STD clinic, than in that from Auckland central, west Auckland, or Christchurch clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that infection with HSV-2 is common in STD clinic patients in New Zealand, and lies within the seroprevalence range of other similar studies from other countries.