Rates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 vary enormously across Europe

(17 April 2003)

Data from general populations which confirm that HSV-2 infection is a world-wide issue are now available for many countries across Europe including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. HSV-2 is the virus that commonly causes genital herpes. The highest rates are found in Greenland, at 57% among 20-24 year olds, rising to 74% in those aged 25-39 years. In Spain, the rates are comparatively low, ranging from 2-6%. Scandinavia shows a prevalence of 15-35% among women aged 25-34 years. In the UK, the highest rates reported are amongst females in London, up to 25% in those aged 41-45 years. While interesting, this data has sparked some expert debate as it conflicts with existing estimates and needs further investigation.

In the US, the overall rate for females within the general population is 26%, compared with 18% for men. Rates increase with age from mid-teens to 35 years.

Rates of HSV-1 are generally higher. HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes simplex virus and usually causes facial herpes. In Germany HSV-1 is found in up to 49% of those aged 6 to 16 years. Young women (15-25 years) in Finland, Germany, Italy and Spain have rates ranging from 46-85%. In the US, young women aged 18-24 years have reported rates of between 34-71%, whereas children in New Mexico in the US have a higher rate at 79% in the 6-15 year age bracket.

These figures offer an insight into the trends of infection worldwide and show that age-specific rates of HSV-2 is generally higher in women.

Further studies are required to establish rates of infection in many other countries and regions, particularly looking at specific age groups such as adolescents. As more information about the epidemiological spread of herpes becomes available, more effective control methods can be put into place to help limit the impact of infection on populations.

Ref: Smith JS, Hopkins J, Robinson NJ. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 and HSV-1 Infections in the United States and Europe. Abstract presented at Eurogin April 2003.