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 pat ients in Auckland and Christchurch between August 1991 and August 1992 . Methods. An unlinked anonymous HIV seroprevalence study was conducte d in STD clinic patients in Auckland and Christchurch between August 1 991 and August 1992. This cross-sectional seroprevalence study using s tored sera and data from the HIV seroprevalence study, was conducted t o determine the prevalence of antibody to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-S). A random sample of 300 sera were analysed, using a type speci fic indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) to HSV glycoprotein G2 (gG-2) with Western blot confirmation of equivocal results. Results. T he seroprevalence was 25.7%. The seroprevalence increased up to age 50 years, but no significant differences were found for gender, or for E uropean, Maori, or Pacific Island ethnic groups. The seroprevalence wa s significantly higher in sera obtained from patients attending the So uth Auckland STD clinic, than in that from Auckland central, west Auck land, or Christchurch clinics.Conclusions. We can conclude that infect ion with HSV-2 is common in STD clinic patients in New Zealand, and li es within the seroprevalence range of other similar studies from other countries.