Title: Transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 among factory workers in Ethiopia.

POPLINE Document Number: 194674

Author(s):

Kebede Y
Dorigo-Zetsma W
Mengistu Y
Mekonnen Y
Schaap A

Source citation:

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2004 Jul 15;190(2):365-372.

Abstract:

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics are believed to fuel each other, especially in sub-Saharan countries. In Ethiopia during 1997–2002, a retrospective study was conducted to examine risk factors for infection and transmission of HSV-2, in a cohort of 1612 factory workers. Prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity at enrollment was 40.9%, and incidence of seroconversion was 1.8 seroconversions/100 person-years (PY), which decreased over time. Independent risk factors for seropositivity were having an HSV-2–seropositive partner, female sex, HIV antibodies, positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay result, older age, low education level, and orthodox religion. These same factors were independent risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion, with the exception of the latter 3. Most HSV-2– infected persons did not report symptoms. Among 41 monogamous HSV-2–serodiscordant heterosexual couples, incidence of HSV-2 seroconversion was 20.75 seroconversions/100 PY for women and 4.93 seroconversions/ 100 PY for men. The high burden of both HSV-2 and HIV infection in Ethiopia warrants stringent control measures. (author's)

Keywords:

Ethiopia
Research Report
Cohort Analysis
Workers
HIV Infections
Sex Behavior
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Herpes Genitalis
Risk Factors
Epidemics
Disease Transmission Control
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Research Methodology
Labor Force
Human Resources
Economic Factors
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Behavior
Examinations and Diagnoses
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Biology
Prevention and Control