Abstract

CARRERO, Yenddy, CALLEJAS, Diana, ESTEVEZ, Jesús et al. Relationship between type 2 herpes simples and uterine cervix pre-invasive lesions. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica, Oct./Dec. 2006, vol.23, no.4, p.253-258. ISSN 1726-4634.

Objectives: To determine the presence and relationship of type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) in women with different degrees of pre-invasive cervical lesions. Materials and methods: 176 women with pre-invasive cervical lesions and 40 healthy controls were studied. These women were regular clients of gynecology outpatient clinics in different health centers during the 2002-2005 period in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Subjects underwent an exo-cervical smear and a colposcopy-oriented biopsy of the lesion site. HSV-2 determination was performed using direct immunofluorescence. Results: HSV-2 infection was detected in 44/176 women (25%). The highest figures for HSV-2 were obtained in women with ICN II lesions (66,7%). The highest frequencies of HSV-2 infections were found in women starting sexual life between 15 and 20 years of age (34,5%). Daily intercourse (50%), as well as oral sex, was considered as the most risky behavior for acquiring the infection. Conclusions: No direct relationship between HSV-2 and cancer was evidenced. Risk factors associated with this infection are similar to those for other sexually transmitted diseases, and they are linked with sexual behavior and individual habits.

Keywords: Herpes simplex virus type 2; Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; Direct immunofluorescence; Sexually transmitted diseases.