There is published evidence of this in the USA 8, 9 but not yet in Germany. A reduced HSV-1 seroprevalence among young people (adolescents) and adults may be associated with higher numbers of primary HSV-2 or HSV-1 infections due to oral sex. Partial clinical cross-immunity exists between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and as a result, primary genital HSV-2 infection may be asymptomatic in patients with HSV-1 immunity and vice versa. As a possible reason for this it has been suggested that men have asymptomatic genital HSV-2 infections more often than women, resulting in higher virus transmission rates from men to women 7. Numerous studies have shown a significantly higher HSV-2 seroprevalence in women than in men 4, 5. Higher seroprevalences are found internationally among people who regularly change sexual partners and among homosexual men 6. 3 % in 10–15-year-olds to 7 % in the age group 16–18 years, to approx. In Germany the prevalence of anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies rises from approx. Since HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse infection rates only rise after puberty. From the age of 40 years and onwards one can assume an HSV-1 seroprevalence of ≥ 85–90 % 5. 70 % in 16–18 year olds and around 80 % in adults aged 28–30 years 4. Current data on seroprevalence in Germany show a rise in anti-HSV-1 IgG to approx. Initial infection with HSV-1 occurs most often during childhood following the disappearance of maternal antibodies during the first year of life. The primary mode of transmission of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 is through direct contact.
Type-specific epitopes include the viral glycoproteins (g) gG (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and gC (HSV-1) 2, 3. Due to marked genetic homology between HSV-1 and HSV-2 numerous biological similarities and antigenic cross-reactions between the viruses exist. Both organisms are enveloped DNA viruses that are sensitive to disinfectants and environmental factors 1. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and also, increasingly, the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Herpes genitalis is among the most common sexually transmitted infections.
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