Prevalencia de herpes labial recurrente en población de 18 a 30 años de edad en Bogotá, Colombia

Background: Herpes simplex virus-1 infection has been associated with local or systemic pathologies such as herpes labialis or sexually transmitted diseases, which are a major public health problem worldwide. Recurrent herpes labialis is a disabling, difficult to control, and of easy dissemination disease, whose variable prevalence is influenced by demographic factors of the population. Aim: To establish the prevalence of herpes labialis in a population of 18-30 years of age in Bogota, Colombia. Methods: 1572 people of the 6 socioeconomic strata of Bogotá were surveyed. This survey asked about the presence of lesions, frequency and factors associated with its appearance, and use of medications for its treatment. Results: The prevalence of herpes labialis lesions was 38.7%, mostly once a year, with no differences between genders. 57.9% of the subjects who responded affirmatively were between the ages of 18 and 23 years. Socioeconomic strata 1 and 2 showed higher prevalence of herpes labialis lesions. The triggering factor more frequently associated to the lesions was fever followed by stress. 52.7% reported the use of any given substance for the treatment of the lesions, being topical antiviral substances used the most. Conclusions: The clinical infection by herpes simplex virus-1 occurs in a high percentage of the population, most often among young people of lower socioeconomic level. It is important to establish controls to prevent dissemination and more severe damage in the population at risk.