A seroepidemiologic survey of the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in the United States

Article Abstract:

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), a sexually transmitted disease, can infect the genitals, mouth, skin or central nervous system. Transmission of the virus from a mother to her fetus, although uncommon, causes severe complications. The virus can remain inactive in the body or appear periodically and may or may not be visible. There is currently no cure, and there is some evidence that the infection predisposes patients to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To determine the prevalence of the HSV-2 virus in the United States, 4,201 patients from 1976-1980 were screened. It can be estimated from these results that 16.4 percent of the U.S. population 15 to 74 years of age during that time was infected with the HSV-2 virus. Prevalence ranged from 1 percent in people under 15 (regardless of other factors) to 64.7 percent in blacks age 60-74 years. Black women had higher prevalence rates and the infection was more common in people previously married. The results of this study indicate that more people have the infection than originally expected and people may not necessarily have obvious symptoms.

Analysis, Demographic aspects, Herpes simplex virus, Serodiagnosis, Serologic tests

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Herpes simplex virus type 2 in the United States, 1976 to 1994

Article Abstract:

The number of people infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has increased substantially since the late 1970's. Questionnaires were completed and blood samples were analyzed from 40,000 people aged 12 years and older during 1988 to 1994 and compared with data collected on 28,000 similar subjects during 1976 to 1980. The percentage of HSV-2-infected individuals rose by 30% between these two time periods. Individuals most likely to be infected were women, Mexican-Americans, blacks, and those who were poor, uneducated, sexually active with multiple partners, older, or who used cocaine.

Statistics, Herpes genitalis, Genital herpes, Ethnic groups

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Early progression of disease in HIV-infected infants with thymus dysfunction

Article Abstract:

Infants infected with HIV at the time of birth may develop destruction of the thymus gland similar to that seen in babies with a congenital thymus disease called DiGeorge syndrome. Analysis of blood samples taken from 59 HIV-infected infants revealed that 17 had similar T cell profiles as 5 infants with the DiGeorge syndrome. The risk of acquiring AIDS in these 17 was much higher than in the remaining 42 HIV-infected infants. About half died within 6 months of their AIDS diagnosis, compared to only 7% of those without the abnormal T cell profile.

Measurement, Physiological aspects, Infants, HIV infection in children, Pediatric HIV infections, T cells

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