Paper Title
Predictors of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibody Positivity Among Persons With No History of Genital Herpes
Keywords
- hsv
- herpes simplex virus type 2 (hsv-2)
- antibody positivity
- genital herpes
- sexually transmitted disease (std)
- hsv-2 screening
- sexual health
- std risk factors
- hsv-2 testing
- hsv-2 predictors
- non-white race
- gender differences
- young adults
- sexual behavior
- std history
- hsv-2 prevalence
- age-related risk
- hsv-2 symptoms
- public health
- hsv-2 epidemiology
- viral infections
- sexual risk assessment
- hsv-2 diagnosis
- asymptomatic hsv-2
- anogenital symptoms
Article Type
Research Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 31 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 676–681
Published On
November, 2004
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Abstract
Background: The demographic, historical, and behavioral factors that predict a positive herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibody test in persons without a history of genital herpes have not been well-defined. Methods: Individuals (age 14–30 years) without a history of genital herpes completed a questionnaire and were offered free HSV-2 antibody testing. Factors from the questionnaire were correlated with the HSV-2 antibody result. Results: Univariate analysis showed that female gender was significantly associated with positive test results. In gender-specific, multiple logistic regression models, a positive HSV-2 antibody test among men was associated with older age, non-white race, and a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gender-specific symptom scores from the questionnaire were not predictive in either gender, but the gender-common symptom score was marginally predictive of a positive HSV-2 antibody test in women. Among women, older age, non-white race, and STD history predicted a positive test. Conclusions: Among young persons with no history of genital herpes who agreed to HSV-2 antibody testing, increasing age, non-white race, and a history of an STD were predictors of a positive test. A history of frequent pain, itching, burning, and rashes in the anogenital region was marginally associated with positive HSV-2 tests in women. These results might help guide selective use of HSV-2 antibody screening.
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