Serological response to herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 infection among women of reproductive age

Abstract

Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are alpha herpes viruses. Humans are the only natural host and they can be transmitted through oral or genital secretions. These viruses are ubiquitous all over the world, with different percentage rates. The aims of this paper were to determine the serological response to HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection among pregnant women and women of reproductive age and seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies among pregnant women and women of reproductive age. A total of 81 serum samples were analyzed. 32 sera were collected from pregnant women, and 49 sera were from non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Serum samples were tested for IgM antibodies to both herpes simplex viruses by use of immunoenzymatic assay (Bioelisa HSV IgM Immunocapture; Biokit, Spain)). Sero-type specific ELISA tests: Bioelisa HSV-1 IgG and Bioelisa HSV-2 IgG (Biokit, Spain) were used for detection of IgG antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Type-common IgM antibodies were found in 6.25% of pregnant women, and in 4.08% of women of reproductive age. Type-specific IgG antibodies to HSV-1 were detected in 68.75% of pregnant women, and in 81.63% of non-pregnant women. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 in our sample was 76.5%. Type-specific IgG antibodies to HSV-2 were detected in 12.5% of pregnant women, and in 12.24% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 in the whole sample was 12.35%. Most women have antibodies to HSV-1, which is partially protective against HSV-2 infection. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 in our sample is relatively low, and similar to seroprevalence in developed European countries. However, there is a high risk of acquiring primary genital HSV infection during pregnancy. Our sample was small, therefore further investigations are required for valid evaluation of seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Serbia.