Genital herpes in two social groups

Abstract Genital herpes was studied in two social groups. Among Caucasians of the upper socioeconomic class with symptomatic primary genital herpes, 78 per cent lacked antibodies to either herpesvirus type 1 or type 2 in their initial serum samples. Among Negroes of the lower socioeconomic class attending a venereal disease clinic, only 29 per cent of persons with primary genital herpes initially lacked antibodies to either type of herpesvirus, and, among women of this group, asymptomatic infections occurred. The antibody response to herpesvirus type 2 among individuals with genital herpes was similar in both social groups. The occurrence of genital herpes among 14 of 18 (78 per cent) female sex contacts of males with genital herpes indicates that the virus is venereally transmitted.