ArticlePathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2025
Epidemiological Characteristics of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in 177,599 Patients Based on PCR Testing in South Korea (2018-2022).
Article in Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Comparative Epidemiology and Co-Detection ofPathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- The Current Status ofPathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
HSV-1 is associated with oral lesions and non-sexual transmission; HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and causes genital infections. Understanding the epidemiological dynamics of both viruses is essential for guiding targeted public-health responses. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 177,599 clinical specimens collected between September 2018 and December 2022 from patients with symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at healthcare institutions across South Korea. HSV-1 and HSV-2 were identified using a real-time PCR assay; positivity rates were stratified by age, sex, specimen type, and year of testing. The overall positivity rate was 0.26% for HSV-1 and 1.60% for HSV-2. HSV-1 was most prevalent among individuals aged <19 years; HSV-2 showed the highest positivity in females aged 20-29 years, declining with age thereafter. HSV-2 positivity was significantly higher in females than in males. A significant decline in HSV-2 positivity was observed over the 5-year study period, while HSV-1 positivity remained stable. This nationwide PCR-based study reveals distinct age- and sex-related epidemiological patterns of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The findings support the need for age-specific and gender-specific STI screening strategies and health education programs. The declining trend in HSV-2 infection may reflect the impact of recent public-health initiatives.
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