Population-based prevalence of antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 2 and socio-demographic characteristics in Mexico.

Although several studies to evaluate the correlates between seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and sexual practices have been carried out with specific groups in Mexico, none has evaluated overall seroprevalence among the general population or its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics. The National Health Survey performed during 2000 in Mexico studied a multi-stage, stratified, cluster sample of the general population. Characteristics of the adult population, such as age, formal education, marital status, residence, age at first intercourse and categories of HSV-2 seroprevalence distribution by state, were studied.