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Predictors of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody positivity
among persons with no history of genital herpes.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2004;31(11):676-681.
Fife KH, Bernstein DI, Tu W, Zimet GD, Brady R, Wu J, Fortenberry JD,
Stone KM, Rosenthal SL, Stanberry LR.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The demographic, historical, and behavioral factors that predict
a positive herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibody test in persons without
a history of genital herpes have not been well-defined. METHODS: Individuals
(age 14-30 years) without a history of genital herpes completed a questionnaire
and were offered free HSV-2 antibody testing. Factors from the questionnaire
were correlated with the HSV-2 antibody result. RESULTS: Univariate analysis
showed that female gender was significantly associated with positive test
results. In gender-specific, multiple logistic regression models, a positive
HSV-2 antibody test among men was associated with older age, non-white race,
and a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gender-specific symptom
scores from the questionnaire were not predictive in either gender, but the
gender-common symptom score was marginally predictive of a positive HSV-2
antibody test in women. Among women, older age, non-white race, and STD history
predicted a positive test. CONCLUSIONS: Among young persons with no history
of genital herpes who agreed to HSV-2 antibody testing, increasing age, non-white
race, and a history of an STD were predictors of a positive test. A history
of frequent pain, itching, burning, and rashes in the anogenital region was
marginally associated with positive HSV-2 tests in women. These results might
help guide selective use of HSV-2 antibody screening.