ANALYSING RETROSPECTIVE DATA: AGE AND GENDER DISPARITIES IN HSV-2 INFECTION PREVALENCE AMONGST PATIENTS IN KWAZULU-NATAL.

Philile  Moyane; Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele; Nokukhanya  Thembane

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i6.1023

Authors

Miss. Philile Moyane National Institute for Communicable Diseases South Africa, Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, Sandringham, South Africa
Dr. Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa
Nokukhanya Thembane 1Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i6.1023

Keywords:

Epidemiology, Africa, Genital herpes, Genital ulcer, HSV-2, Herpes simplex virus, Prevalence, Sexually transmitted infection

Abstract

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant global public health concern, contributing to a substantial disease burden. Understanding the prevalence of HSV-2 infections and potential gender disparities is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies. This study compares the prevalence of HSV-2 infections between men and women aged 15-49 years.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from 182 patients, both men and women aged 15-49 years, who tested positive for HSV-2. The data were sourced from the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital laboratory database. Descriptive statistics calculated prevalence rates, and chi-square tests determined significant gender differences. The age groups were divided into five-year intervals to assess prevalence variations across different stages of adulthood.

Results

The analysis revealed notable differences in infection rates between genders. Among females, HSV-2 prevalence ranged from 4.9% in the 15-19 age group to 20.3% in the 20-24 age group, displaying a significant increase during early adulthood. The rates stabilized around 10.4% for ages 25-34, increased to 12.6% for ages 35-39, declined to 8.2% for ages 40-44, and further decreased to 3.6% for ages 45-49. In contrast, among males, HSV-2 prevalence started at 3.3% for ages 15-19, decreased to 2.7% for ages 20-24, steadily increased to 6.6% for ages 30-34, and slightly declined but remained relatively high at 4.4% for ages 35-39, 3.8% for ages 40-44, and 2.7% for ages 45-49.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a substantial gender disparity in HSV-2 infection rates among individuals aged 15-49 years, with a significantly higher prevalence observed in females. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies to address the higher burden of HSV-2 infections in women.

Recommendations

Targeted public health strategies and education campaigns should focus more on women, particularly in early adulthood, to reduce HSV-2 transmission rates.