Is genital HSV-1 associated with high risk sexual behaviours?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is genital herpes simplex virus type 1 associated with high risk sexual behaviours?
IRAS ID
152763
Contact name
Emily Clarke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are diseases that spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact, and many are closely associated with high risk sexual behaviour. Previously in the UK the majority of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was acquired orolabially (around the mouth) in childhood. The immune response to this infection protects against later genital acquisition of HSV-1.
In the last 50 years this infection of childhood has become primarily a disease of adolescence and early adulthood, and it now accounts for the majority of genital herpes infections. Genital HSV-1 is associated with early sexual debut and same sex activity in men and, although it has not been shown to be fully associated with high risk sexual behaviours, has generally been assumed to behave as an STI.
This assumption can cause distress to patients due to the stigma surrounding and STI diagnosis.
This pilot study will compare the frequency of high risk sexual behaviours in patients attending a level 3 genitourinary medicine clinic with a new diagnosis of genital HSV-1, with that of patients with a known STI (Chlamydia or herpes simplex virus type 2), and with patients with no symptoms who do not then test positive for an STI. High risk sexual behaviours will be assessed by a short questionnaire.
This study will answer the question as to whether high risk sexual behaviours are more frequent in patients with a new diagnosis of genital HSV-1 compared with other STIs or the absence of an STI. This will contribute to evidence surrounding whether HSV-1 should be assumed to behave as an STI, and this additional information will assist clinicians give accurate information to patients who are diagnosed with genital HSV-1.REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0014
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion