Resumen

CARRERO, Yenddy, CALLEJAS, Diana, ESTEVEZ, Jesús et al. Relación entre el herpes simple tipo 2 y las lesiones preinvasivas de cuello uterino. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica, oct./dic. 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.

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