Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among bar and hotel workers in northern Tanzania - Prevalence and risk factors

Background: Type-specific serological tests have allowed for a better understanding of the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in Africa. Goal: The goal was to determine risk factors for HSV-2 among bar and hotel workers in Moshi, Tanzania. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 515 workers in randomly selected bars and hotels in Moshi. Results: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 43.5%. Women were more likely to be HSV-2-seropositive than men (age-adjusted OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 2.5-5.8). In multivariate analyses, age was positively associated with HSV-2 in both women and men. HIV-1-seropositive women had a significantly increased risk of HSV-2 infection (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.5-5.1). Other predictors of HSV-2 were religion and sexual behavior for women and level of education, frequency of alcohol use, and concurrent partners for men. Conclusion: The most common genital infection was that with HSV-2. Control of HSV-2 might be an important strategy for HIV-1 infection prevention in this population.