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High prevalence and incidence of HSV-2 among people who inject drugs in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and risk factors associated with seroconversion
Abstract

PURPOSE: Genital Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) epidemic is highly active worldwide and can be associated with severe morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of HSV-2 infection among a vulnerable population of active heroin injectors in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and identify associated risk factors.

METHOD: Associations between HSV-2 infection and socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were explored in a univariable analysis of seroprevalence. Risk factors were defined using a multivariable Poisson regression accounting for time of follow-up.

RESULTS: HSV-2 seroprevalence at baseline was 20.8% [95%CI: 17.8–22.2] for the 1281 men people who inject drugs (PWID), and 67.4% [95%CI: 60.1–74.1] for the 184 women PWID. For HSV-2 incidence, we accumulated a follow-up time of 1156.0 and 85.9 years for men and women, respectively. Standardised incidence rate was 4 [95%CI: 2.2–7.5] and 17.5 [95%CI: 5.7–53.8] infections per 100 person-years for men and women, respectively. Factors independently associated with HSV-2 seroconversion were HIV and injecting drug use for 5–10 years for men, and declared an uncontrolled HIV viral load and the use of street methadone.

CONCLUSION: High HSV-2 prevalence and incidence among PWID in Hai Phong point out the burden of sexually transmissible infections in this population. Together these results advocate for a reinforcement of HSV-2 care and prevention in this population and identify PWID as future beneficiaries of upcoming therapeutic/prophylactic vaccines.

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Full citation:
D'Ottavi M, Scialabba I, Huong DT, Giang HT, Khue PM, Vinh VH, Vallo R, Michel L, Rapoud D, Quillet C, Thanh NTT, Bouniol J, Oanh KTH, Feelemyer J, Perre PV, Laureillard D, Des Jarlais D, Nagot N, Moles JP (2025).
High prevalence and incidence of HSV-2 among people who inject drugs in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and risk factors associated with seroconversion
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases [Epub 2025 Feb 22]. doi: 10.1007/s10096-025-05079-8.