A study of associated factors, including genital herpes, in black women with cervical carcinoma in Johannesburg

Herpesvirus hominis antibodies were measured by a kinetic neutralisation test. Among Black patients in the Johannesburg area there is a high incidence of carcinoma of the cervix and H. hominis type 2 infection. A correlation exists between carcinomas of the cervix on the one hand and antibodies to H. hominis type 2 on the other. In addition, patients with keratinising tumours were more promiscuous (mean of 2,9 consorts each) and had more venereal disease (81% positive fluorescent treponemal antibody tests) than those with non-keratinising tumours mean of 2,1 consorts and 52% positive FTAs). The latter had a poorer antibody response (mean 1,9 times lower than matched controls). It is clear that more specific differentiation between the Herpesvirus types is needed before firm conclusions can be reached. These findings confirm those found by other workers elsewhere but suggest in addition that differentiation into tumour types is needed to separate tumours of different aetiological origin.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1747 (1974)