National seroprevalence and trends in herpes simplex virus type 1 in the United States, 1976-1994.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to estimate national seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), describe trends in seroprevalence, and examine correlates of infection.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to measure the burden of HSV-1 infection in the U.S. population.

STUDY: We tested serum samples for HSV-1 antibody and analyzed questionnaire data collected for the second and third National Health and Nutrition Surveys (NHANES II, 1976-80; NHANES III, 1988-94). Seroprevalence estimates were weighted to represent the total U.S. population.

RESULTS: At the time of NHANES III, two thirds (68%) of the U.S. population 12 years and older had HSV-1 antibody. Prevalence increased with age and varied by race/ethnicity; the majority of persons in all race/ethnic groups were HSV-1-seropositive by age 30. Overall, the national seroprevalence of HSV-1 decreased nonsignificantly by 2% in the years between NHANES II and III; decreases in HSV-1 seroprevalence in some population subgroups were balanced by increases in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no overall change in the seroprevalence of HSV-1 in the U.S. population between NHANES II and III.