Commentary: Developing preventive strategies in Europe

Abstract

With the recent increase in availability of relatively cheap and sensitive type-specific antibody tests for Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), the sero-epidemiology of these infections in different countries around the world is becoming better defined. Studies demonstrate wide variation in HSV seroprevalence according to geographical location, socioeconomic and behavioural factors.¹ This study from the University Hospital in Rotterdam, Holland is interesting in that it explores the prevalence of infection among attendees at the same sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic at two different time points. The authors were able to demonstrate a fall in prevalence of antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 between 1993 and 1998 of around 40%, after controlling for demographic and behavioural factors. While it is true that this apparent fall in seroprevalence may reflect changes in the clientele attending this STD clinic that have been inadequately controlled for in the statistical analysis, it more likely reflects real changes in the seroprevalence of these infections in this population over this time period.