Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in pregnant women in the United States

We estimated the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and -2 in a national sample of pregnant women in the United States. Overall, 28% of pregnant women were seronegative; 50% were seropositive for HSV-1 but not HSV-2, and 22% were seropositive for HSV-2. Race/ethnicity and the number of lifetime sex partners are the best predictors of HSV serostatus in pregnant women in the United States.