Seroprevalence of Herpes viruses in a retrospective study in Southern Italy

Abstract

Information on age- and sex-specific prevalence of herpes viruses (HHV) is of importance to optimize control and prevention strategies. Using data from a population-based serological study in South Italy (n=1854) between 1/01/2016 and 30/06/2017, the main purpose of the present study was to assess the spread of HSV1-2, VZV and CMV seroprevalence in a random population. Results of seroprevalence in South Italy in the last year showed that CMV is the most frequent species with a significantly higher prevalence in women , and with infection rates increasing from childhood to adolescence. In our country, probability of seropositivity for HSV1-2 infections increase with age. A large proportion of teenagers and young adults remain HSV-1-2 susceptible and women were significantly more likely to be HSV1-2 seropositive. Similar to other European countries, varicella immunity in south Italy is acquired gradually, starting in early childhood and showing an increase around age 3–5 years even if the amount of susceptible adults aged over 20 years is still substantial.