THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HERPES-SIMPLEX TYPE-1 AND TYPE-2 INFECTION OF THEGENITAL-TRACT IN EDINBURGH 1978-1991

Introduction-The changing epidemiology of genital herpes in Edinburgh is described in relation to herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 and herp es simplex virus Type 2 infection over a period of 14 years. Methods-2 018 episodes of genital herpes in 1794 patients over a 14 year period were assessed. Data on age, sex, sexual orientation, geographical orig in and herpes antibodies were also analysed. Results-The proportion of cases that were HSV Type 1 increased over the period from approximate ly 20% to over 40%. Type 1 infection is more common in the young, in w omen and as a primary infection. Conclusions-HSV Type 1 is of increasi ng importance as a cause of genital herpes in our population. This may reflect changes in sexual attitudes and practises over the past decad e.