Correlates of bacterial ulcers and acute HSV-2 infection among men with genital ulcer disease in South Africa: age, recent sexual behaviours, and HIV

Abstract

Data from baseline surveys and STI/HIV laboratory tests (n=615 men) were used to examine correlates of bacterial ulcers (Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi, or Chlamydia trachomatis L1-L3 detected in ulcers) and acute HSV-2 ulcers (HSV-2 positive ulcer specimen, HSV-2 sero-negative, and negative for bacterial pathogens) versus recurrent HSV-2 ulcers (sero-positive), separately. Men with bacterial ulcers had larger ulcers compared to men with recurrent HSV-2 ulcers, but were less likely to be HIV-positive; whereas, men with acute HSV-2 ulcers were younger with fewer partners. Acute HIV was higher among men with bacterial and acute HSV-2 ulcers; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Keywords:

• acute HIV
• acute HSV-2
• bacterial ulcers
• genital ulcer disease
• sexual behavior

Notes

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A portion of these findings were presented at the 19th meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Disease Research (12/7/2011 in Québec City, Canada).

Additional information

Funding

Funding. Financial support. National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa (core funding) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement (U62/CCU022901).