Seroepidemiology of Herpes simplex virus type 2 in the Amerindian Yukpa population of Zulia state, Venezuela

Background: Yukpa aborigines start early in life their sexual activity and promiscuity with native and foreign individuals is common among women. This behavior allows the installation and propagation of Herpes simplex virus t ype 2 (HSV-2). Aim: To determine the presence of antibodies to HSV-2 in a Y ukpa Amerindian community at Zulia State, Venezuela. Subjects and methods: We studied 96 natives, between 13 and 49 years old (62.3% of the whole popu lation, 100% of individuals in fertile age). Control population consisted o f 76 individuals, with similar sex and age range distribution, or the urban population from Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela. HSV-2 serologic status was determined by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Results: Antibodie s to HSV-2 were detected in 53.1% of Yukpa population and 21.1% of urban po pulation. Aboriginal women aged 21 to 40 years old had a prevalence of anti bodies against HSV-2 of 66.7%. Among pregnant native women, the prevalence of antibodies against HSV-2 was 54.6%. Conclusions: There is a high prevale nce of antibodies against HSV-2 among Yukpa natives in Venezuela.