The cpi<lemiologic features of carcinoma cf the cervix indicate that environmental factors play a role in the occurrence cf the disease. The d:sease occurs more frequently in women who have multiple sex pari:ners, consort with uncircumcised men and who begin heterosexual activity early in life. These demographic features have led to the hypothe.s'"s that the cfo:-ease may be causeJ. by a venereally transmitted factor.
Herpes genit3.lis appears to be a vener0al disease. A f:eroepidemiologic survey for heq:::svirns tY})e 2 antibodies was performed on 266 persons of different ages from the same lower socioe·conomic population from which the patients came. Antibodies to the virus did not appear until adolescence, and the antibodies occurred more frequently among prostitutes ( 54%) than among the control population (22%). The data support the concept of a venereal mode of spread of herpesvirus type 2 and establish an association between this virus and carcinoma of the cervix; however, further studies are required to determine whether or not the association is a causal one.