Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among young uncircumcised men in Kisumu, Kenya

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Abstract
Objectives: To identify factors associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection among men aged 18–24 in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: Baseline data from a randomised trial of male circumcision were analysed. Participants were interviewed for sociodemographic and behavioural risks. The outcome was HSV-2 by antibody status. Risk factors were considered singly and in combination through logistic regression models. Results: Among 2771 uncircumcised men, 766 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 26.0% to 29.3%) tested antibody positive for HSV-2. The median age at first sex was 16 years, and the median number of lifetime sexual partners was four. HSV-2 seroprevalence increased from 19% among 18-year-olds to 43% among 24-year-olds (pConclusion: Primary prevention efforts should be initiated at an early age. The same behavioural interventions used currently for HIV prevention—abstinence, reducing the number of sex partners and increasing condom use—should be effective for HSV-2 prevention.