Herpes simplex virus type 2 in prisoners, New South Wales, Australia

Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, h erpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibodies in male and female prisoners. A cross-sectional random sample was used consisting of 789 prisoners (657 males and 132 females) from 27 correctional centres across New South Wales (NSW), stratified by sex, age and Aboriginality. Participants were question ed about demographics and behavioural risk factors and were screened for se rum antibody to HSV-2. The overall prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was highe r in females (58%) than males (21%), and in Aborigines (34%) compared with non-Aborigines (24%). HSV-2 prevalence increased with the number of sexual partners. Few prisoners (1%) reported a previous diagnosis of genital herpe s. Independent risk factors for the presence of HSV-2 antibodies were incre asing age and Aboriginality for men, and higher reported number of lifetime sexual partners and the presence of hepatitis C antibodies for women. HSV- 2 infection is common in prison inmates. There is a need to incorporate inf ormation about STDs, including HSV-2, into education programmes for inmates .