Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of, and risk factors for, herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection and reactivation in older individuals are poorly understood.MethodsThis is a prospective population-based study among community-dwelling individuals aged 40–79 years, followed from 1993, formed as a random subsample of the UK-based EPIC-Norfolk cohort. HSV-1 seropositivity was derived from immunoglobulin G measurements and frequent oro-labial HSV reactivation was self-reported. We carried out two cross-sectional studies using logistic regression to investigate childhood social and environmental conditions as risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity and comorbidities as risk factors for apparent HSV oro-labial reactivation.ResultsOf 9,929 participants, 6310 (63.6%) were HSV-1 IgG positive, and 870 (of 4,934 seropositive participants with reactivation data) experienced frequent oro-labial reactivation. Being born outside the UK/Ireland, contemporaneous urban living and having ≥4 siblings were risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity. Ever diagnosed with kidney disease, but no other comorbidities, was associated with an increased risk of frequent HSV reactivation (adjOR 1.87, 95%CI: 1.02–3.40).DiscussionApparent HSV-1 seropositivity and clinical reactivation are common within an ageing UK population. HSV-1 seropositivity is socially patterned while risk factors for oro-labial HSV reactivation are less clear. Further large studies of risk factors are needed to inform HSV-1 control strategies.
Highlights
herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is one of eight herpesviruses that routinely infect humans.[1]
HSV-1 seropositivity is socially patterned while risk factors for oro-labial HSV reactivation are less clear
The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study design and methods have been described in detail elsewhere.[8,9,10]
Summary
HSV-1 is one of eight herpesviruses that routinely infect humans.[1]. It is thought to be transmitted via close contact in childhood and it establishes latency in sensory ganglia. HSV-1 reactivation causes outbreaks of oro-labial, oropharyngeal, or increasingly, genital ulcers,[2] but can be asymptomatic. Oro-labial ulcers can be caused by HSV-2 reactivation[3] and the two viruses are clinically indistinguishable. Oro-labial HSV-2 reactivation is very infrequent.[3] The prevalence of HSV-1 infection varies by age, time and geographic setting, with European seroprevalence estimates ranging from around 50–80%.[4] Following infection only around 30% of individuals with serologic evidence of HSV-1 experience clinical reactivation[5] but the factors involved in infection susceptibility and control of latent infection are poorly understood. The prevalence of, and risk factors for, herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection and reactivation in older individuals are poorly understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
