Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies in selected population groups in Italy

Abstract
The estimated prevalence of herpes simplex virus type-2 specific antibodies was less then 0.1 % in a national sample of 1,169 healthy young males, 4.8 % among 411 health care workers and 55 % among 397 homosexuals. These viral infections seem to pose a health problem for risk groups such as homosexuals but not for the general population.