Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 IgG Research Articles

Seroprevalence of VZV and HSV-2 Antibodies among Women of Childbearing Age Referring to Health Centres of Mashhad, Iran: The Need for Consideration of VZV Vaccination Program.

Infections with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are associated with serious maternal and neonatal health consequences. The literature review reveals a research gap regarding the seroprevalence of HSV-2 and VZV among women of reproductive age in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran. The present study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of these viruses among a group of women in Mashhad, Iran. Sera were collected by health center personnel using a cluster sampling method from healthy women with specific age characteristics residing in three distinct socioeconomic regions of the city. The participants, aged 20-35, were divided into three groups (20-25, 26-30, and 31-35 years). The levels of VZV and HSV-2 IgG antibodies were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits. Subsequently, the results were analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 93 women were included in the study. Anti-HSV-2 IgG antibody was detected in 3 out of 93 participants (7.5%), while anti-VZV IgG antibody was found positive in 80 out of 93 individuals (83.3%). The HSV-2 positive cases were concurrently positive for the VZV antibody. There was no significant difference in the positivity of anti-HSV-2 and anti-VZV antibody positivity within age groups or socioeconomic status (P > 0.05). The high seroprevalence of VZV among nonvaccinated participants indicates a widespread presence of the virus and underscores its potentially serious impact on community health. Therefore, it is recommended that a VZV vaccination program be considered by the health system. Furthermore, the reactivation of latent HSV-2, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, during pregnancy should not be disregarded as a life-threatening threat.

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus type-1antibodies (IgM,IgG) in smokers in Kirkuk city-Iraq

Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1) is classified in the α-herpes virus group of the Herpesviridae and HSV-1 infections are very common in the human population. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 IgM and anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 IgG among smokers and nonsmokers. In the current study, A total of one hundred two serum samples from males were collected (70 smokers and 32 nonsmokers), there ages were ranged between 20- 50 year; this study which was done during the period between September 2014 to the January 2015. All obtained sera samples from all persons were tested using ELISA method for determine of Herpes simplex virus type-1 antibodies. Results in this study showed that the herpes simplex virus type-1 IgM seropositivity among smoker persons was 24 (34.3%). In addition, the result revealed that the percentage rate of the herpes simplex virus type-1 IgG among smokers was 61(87.1%). There was a significant effect of smoking on the seroprevalence of Herpes simplex virus type-1 antibodies (IgM , IgG).

Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence and associated factors in fertility-treatment-seeking population: A cross-sectional survey in the United Arab Emirates.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common genitally-transmitted viral infection affecting more than 400 million individuals globally. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in specific at-risk population groups, the burden of HSV-2 has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibodies in patients seeking fertility treatment and characterized patients with seropositivity to HSV-2 IgG antibodies. A cross-sectional sample of patients seeking fertility treatment in a major fertility clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE was surveyed from April to May 2021. Patients were consecutively invited to complete self-administered questionnaires and provide blood for HSV-2 testing. Information on sociodemographics, medical history, and infertility was collected. Serum specimens were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HSV-2 IgG antibodies detection. Two hundred and ninety-nine patients were surveyed and provided blood samples. The mean age of the patients was 35.9 ± 6.8 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years with 89.3% being women. Sixty-six percent were overweight or obese, 25.0% had at least one chronic comorbidity, and 19.6% reported ever-had genital infection. More than two-thirds (68.3%) of the patients were infertile for ≥ 6 months. Of the 42 infertile males, 69.0% had an abnormal semen analysis. HSV-2 IgG antibodies was detected in 12.4% of patients. The HSV-2 IgG seropositive patients had a higher mean age (39.5 vs. 35.4 years; p < 0.001) compared to seronegative patients. HSV-2 IgG antibodies seropositivity was more common in males (15.6%) than females (12.0%), in patients with secondary (14.1%) vs. primary (9.2%) infertility, or in males with abnormal (10.3%) vs. normal (7.7%) semen. Exposure to HSV-2 at any time in patients seeking fertility treatment in the UAE was found to be slightly common in more than one out of 10 patients. Tailored health campaigns on HSV-2 prevention are warranted.

Herpes simplex virus and rates of cognitive decline or whole brain atrophy in the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network.

To investigate whether herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection was associated with rates of cognitive decline or whole brain atrophy among individuals from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN). Among two subsets of the DIAN cohort (age range 19.6-66.6 years; median follow-up 3.0 years) we examined (i) rate of cognitive decline (N = 164) using change in mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, (ii) rate of whole brain atrophy (N = 149), derived from serial MR imaging, calculated using the boundary shift integral (BSI) method. HSV-1 antibodies were assayed in baseline sera collected from 2009-2015. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare outcomes by HSV-1 seropositivity and high HSV-1 IgG titres/IgM status. There was no association between baseline HSV-1 seropositivity and rates of cognitive decline or whole brain atrophy. Having high HSV-1 IgG titres/IgM was associated with a slightly greater decline in MMSE points per year (difference in slope - 0.365, 95% CI: -0.958 to -0.072), but not with rate of whole brain atrophy. Symptomatic mutation carriers declined fastest on both MMSE and BSI measures, however, this was not influenced by HSV-1. Among asymptomatic mutation carriers, rates of decline on MMSE and BSI were slightly greater among those who were HSV-1 seronegative. Among mutation-negative individuals, no differences were seen by HSV-1. Stratifying by APOE4 status yielded inconsistent results. We found no evidence for a major role of HSV-1, measured by serum antibodies, in cognitive decline or whole brain atrophy among individuals at high risk of early-onset AD.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) among Women with Macerated Stillbirth: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study from Mwanza, Tanzania.

Background Stillbirth adversely affects pregnancy outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Viral infections have been implicated as one of the causes of stillbirths. Despite high rates of stillbirths and high viral prevalence in LMICs, there is limited information regarding their association. This study investigated the magnitude of herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) among women with macerated stillbirth. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted involving 279 women with macerated stillbirth between July and August 2018 at different health facilities in Mwanza, Tanzania. Detection of HSV-2 was done by immunochromatographic test while that of HCMV was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive data analysis was done using STATA version 13. Results A total of 28 (10.04%, 95% CI: 6.8-13.9) tested positive for HSV-2 IgG antibodies with only 4 (1.43%, 95% CL: 0.3-2.8) testing positive for HSV-2 IgM antibodies. HCMV IgG antibodies were detected in 131 (77.98%, 95% CI: 71-84) of 168 women tested. By multivariate logistic regulation analysis, advanced age (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99, p = 0.025) was significantly associated with negative HSV-2 IgG antibodies. By log multinomial regression analysis, only urban residence (RRR.4.43: 95% CI 1.53-12.80, p = 0.006) independently predicted HCMV IgG seropositivity among women with stillbirth. Twenty-one (30.9%) of women with positive HCMV IgG antibodies had low avidity index (<40%) indicating recent infection. Conclusion Significant proportion of women with macerated stillbirth residing in urban and with low age have HCMV and HSV antibodies, respectively. This calls for the need to consider introducing screening of these infections in the Tanzanian antenatal package and further studies to explore the role of these viruses in causing stillbirth in Tanzania.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-2 among pregnant women in Wad Madani-Sudan: a cross sectional study

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are known to pose a significant public health threat. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a viral infection with high prevalence in Sudan, particularly among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 among pregnant women as well as their associated potential risk factors in Wad Madani-Sudan. Methods: In total, 92 pregnant women who attended the Maternity Hospital and Dr. Altigani Sedeeg Fertility Center at Wad Madani, AL-Gezira State, between April and August 2018 were included in this study. HSV-2 Immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) were assayed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 IgM and IgG were 35(38%) and 90(97.8%), respectively. A Higher prevalence of HSV-2 IgG 45(48.9%) and 13(14.1%) for IgM was detected in pregnant women aged 15-24 years old with a significant association between HSV-2 IgM and age distribution group (p-value=0.001). HSV-2 IgM and IgG seropositivity were highest in the first trimester; 26(34.2%), and 75(81.5%), respectively. The highest rate of HSV-2 IgM was detected in 19 (20.7%) women with a history of abortion, while the highest rate of HSV-2 IgG was seen in 50 (54.3%) women without a history of abortion. The statistical analysis results did not reveal significant differences between gestational stages and history of abortion with the presence of HSV-2 antibodies. Conclusion: The prevalence of HSV-2 was significant among pregnant women in Wad Madani- Sudan. There was a strong association between HSV-2 IgM seropositivity and the age of pregnant women.

Characterization of Serum Samples With Discordant Results in 2 Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 IgG Assays.

Our laboratory system tests sera for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG using the DiaSorin Liaison chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA), with the option to confirm positive samples by a laboratory-developed HerpeSelect inhibition assay. As part of the confirmation process, the HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is performed. This study investigated the relationship between DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG CIA-positive indices and HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG EIA results. HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG EIA results were compiled for a cohort of consecutive DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG CIA-positive (index ≥1.10) samples. To further characterize DiaSorin CIA-positive samples that were positive (concordant) or negative (discordant) by the HerpeSelect EIA, a separate composite reference study panel was constructed and also tested using the Biokit HSV-2 IgG assay and an HSV-2 IgG inhibition assay developed for the DiaSorin instrument. Samples were classified as DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG true positive or false positive based on a composite reference using HerpeSelect EIA, Biokit, and DiaSorin inhibition results. Of 2305 consecutive DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG CIA-positive samples, 411 (17.8%) were HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG EIA negative; 343 of 411 (83%) had DiaSorin indices of 1.10 to 3.00. For the composite reference study panel (N = 120), 59 of 60 discordant samples were classified as DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG false positive based on the composite reference, whereas 58 of 60 concordant samples were classified as true positive. Nearly all DiaSorin HSV-2 IgG CIA-positive but HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG EIA-negative sera are falsely positive in the DiaSorin CIA. Furthermore, most DiaSorin false-positive samples exhibit low-positive indices, suggesting that guidelines for confirmatory testing should include low-positive samples by CIA and EIA.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and correlates of infection in Jordan.

Herpes infections are common infections among populations. Herein, a cross-sectional study was used to determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG antibodies and their association with potential infection risk factors among Jordanians. A total of 759 serum samples were collected (January to February 2020) and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Estimates for population seropositivity were determined by weighting the age-specific seroprevalence by the size of the population in each age stratum. The population estimate for HSV-1 seroprevalence was 75.3%. After adjustment for possible confounders, regression analysis revealed higher seroprevalence with increase in age (p < 0.005) and low household income (p = 0.002). The population estimate for HSV-2 seroprevalence was 2.9%. No significant differences in HSV-2 seroprevalence were observed in association with age, gender, family size, educational level, and socioeconomic status, likely due to low seropositivity. Jordanians have high HSV-1 and low HSV-2 seroprevalence. Periodical studies might be needed to evaluate changes in HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence over time. This study provides essential epidemiological data for Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa region.

Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies among pregnant women attending Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes) is mostly asymptomatic except if the immune system is compromised. However, infections could lead to preterm delivery, low infant birth weight, still birth, hydrops, cystic brain degeneration, and fetal growth retardation. Record of the prevalence of the viral infection is scanty among pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies among pregnant women attending Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information such as age, incidence of miscarriages, marital status and number of pregnancies among the women who were examined. Ninety (90) pregnant women were examined for the presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Prevalence of HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies among pregnant women was 64.4 % and 2.2 % respectively. A significant (p0.05) difference between the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibody across age ranges, number of miscarriages, marital status and number of pregnancies. There may be need for antenatal screening of pregnant women for this virus in Ekiti State and perhaps generally in pregnancy to rule out the presence of genital herpes. With the risk of infection to fetus in mind, health policy makers may campaign against genital herpes to avert transmission of the virus to fetus before birth or after child birth.

Serological survey of immunoglobulin g antibody among different populations with assymtomatic shedding of genital herpes in Katsina State

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant public health problem being one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide and the leading cause of genital ulcerative disease that is common both in industrialized and developing countries. Therefore, a study on the serological survey of Immunoglobulins G antibody among different populations with asymptomatic shedding of genital herpes in Katsina State, north-western Nigeria was carried out. A total of 460 (86 HIV, 136 feverish patients, 125 pregnant women and 113 normal Individuals) blood samples were collected from six hospitals located across the three senatorial zones of the State. The serum was separated from the blood and used for the analysis. The participant’s socio-demographic information and clinical presentations were also noted with the aid of a questionnaire. Viral antibodies were detected by HSV-2 IgG ELISA Kits. The HSV-2 IgG was detected in 72.8% of the serum tested. The prevalence among patients presenting with fever was 70.6%, and it was 74.4% in the pregnant women. The prevalence in HIV positive patients was 75.6% while it was 73.5% in the apparently healthy individuals. There was a significant association between HIV positivity, feverish condition and HSV-2 prevalence. Higher prevalence was recorded at General Hospital Dutsinma 89.6% and there was a statistically significant association between prevalence and hospital studied. Generally, older participants were more vulnerable to HSV-2 infection than younger ones. There was no statistical significant association between sex of the participants and HSV-2 infection. None of the sociodemographic factors was significantly associated with HSV-2 infection except marital status. There was no significant association between socio-economic status, sexual activity, use of protection, number of sexual partners, clinical manifestation, level of education, and occupation of the participants with HSV-2 infection. The present study indicates that prevalence of HSV-2 appears to be relatively high and older participants were more vulnerable to HSV-2 infection in Katsina State. There is need for educating populace on HSV-2 infection and its mode of transmission to reduce the level of its spread between individuals in the population.&#x0D; Keywords: HSV-2; IgG; Genital; Serum; Antibody&#x0D;

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Associated Risk Factors among Undergraduate Female Students of Babcock University, Nigeria

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes, a chronic viral infection that is sexually transmitted and often results in genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG and IgM antibodies and the associated risk factors among undergraduate female students of Babcock University.&#x0D; Methods: After ethical approval was obtained, serum samples of 150 consenting female participants (16-35 years) were collected randomly and screened using NADALR HSV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (Bulgarian Company for Biotechnology, Sofia, Bulgaria). The demographic and clinical information of the participants were also collected using a structured questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS version 18.0.&#x0D; Results: The outcome of the study shows that out of the 150 participants screened, 5 (3.3%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG antibody, 4 (2.7%) were positive for HSV-2 IgM; while 2 (1.3%) were positive for both HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the seropositivity for HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies among the study participants on the basis of age distribution. With regards to clinical indication for genital herpes in relation to seropositivity of HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies among the study participants, none of the 7 (4.6%) who indicated vaginal itching was seropositive for either HSV-2 IgG or HSV-2 IgM or both. On the other hand, genital lesions were recorded in 0.7% HSV-2 IgG seropositive, 1.3% HSV-2 IgM seropositive and 0.7% HSV-2 both IgG and IgM seropositive. Genital ulcer was recorded among two participants who were either seropositive for HSV-2 IgG (0.7%) or HSV-2 IgM (0.7%). Only one (0.7%) participant indicated inguinal lymphadenopathy, however, the person was HSV-2 IgG/IgM seronegative. Identifiable risk factor significantly (P&lt;0.05) associated with HSV-2 infection include: history of sexually transmitted infections, HIV positive status, and change of sex partners recently.&#x0D; Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows that HSV-2 infection exists among undergraduate female students of Babcock University, Nigeria and therefore appropriate public health measures must be taken to halt the cycle of infection within the University community. Early detection of genital herpes and prompt treatment will help prevent subsequent complications such as genital ulcer disease among young female adults.

Comparative Sero-prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 IgG Antibodies in Nigerian Children by Two Methods; IFA and ELISA

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) are common cause of fatal sporadic encephalitis in 70% of children and can cause chronic ulcerative infection in immuno- suppressed children leading to latency with subsequent reactivate in the conjunctiva resulting in scarring, thickening of the cornea and blindness. This comparative study determined the sero-prevalence of HSV-1 IgG antibodies in children attending some selected Hospitals in Kaduna state, Nigeria. A total of 377 blood samples were collected from children less than five years old attending some selected hospitals in Kaduna State and analyzed for HSV-1 IgG antibodies employing Enzyme immune assay technique by using commercially available ELISA Kits and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) test. Sero-prevalence rate of 57.8 % (218 /377) was obtained by ELISA and 67.4% (255/377) by IFA test. The highest prevalence of HSV-1 infection was obtained in children in age group 49-60 months (85.2%) and lowest in children in age group 13-24 months (44.8%). Herpes simplex virus type -1 infection was significantly associated with age. Though a higher prevalence was obtained in female children than male children the difference observed in the prevalence was not statistically significant .The infection was significantly associated with children who were in school (χ2= 15.28, df = 1, P= 0.001) by only the ELISA test. Clinical symptoms significantly associated with HSV-1infection in children in this study were febrile illnesses, conjunctivitis, jaundice, skin infections and oro-facial lesions while the risk factors were age and educational status of children. Over half of the children sampled were protected from HSV-1 infection while about 40% of the children were susceptible to the infection and were at risk of developing severe HSV-1 manifestation which includes keratitis, encephalitis and Keratoconjunctivitis.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG index values in two immunoassays in relation to HSV-2 IgG inhibition assay results

CDC guidelines recommend confirmatory testing of sera with low-positive indices (1.10–3.50) in the HerpeSelect® (HSLT) HSV-2 IgG screening assay. To determine if this recommendation is adequate for our patient population, we reviewed HSLT HSV-2 IgG screening indices for 262 screen-positive sera (index >1.10) tested in our confirmatory assay, which assesses inhibition of binding to recombinant gG2 by HSV-1- and HSV-2-infected cell lysates. To determine how the recommendation affects other screening assays, we tested these samples in the Liaison® HSV-2 IgG assay. Of 124 false-positive sera, 20% and 39% had an index >3.50 in the HSLT and Liaison screening assays, respectively. In both assays, 51% of 63 indeterminate sera (inhibition by HSV-1 lysate) had indices >3.50. Similarly, ≥75% of 75 true-positive samples exhibited indices >3.50 in both assays. Thus, confirmatory testing only of sera with low-positive HSV-2 IgG indices misses some false-positive and indeterminate samples, leading to misdiagnosis of HSV-2 infection.

The PILRA G78R Variant Correlates with Higher HSV-1-Specific IgG Titers in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive performance; Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is instead an objective decline in cognitive performance that does not reach pathology. Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor alpha (PILRA) is a cell surface inhibitory receptor that was recently suggested to be involved in AD pathogenesis. In particular, the arginine-to-glycine substitution in position 78 (R78, rs1859788) was shown to be protective against AD. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is suspected as well to be involved in AD. Interestingly, HSV-1 uses PILRA to infect cells, and HSV-1 infects more efficiently PIRLA G78 compared to R78 macrophages. We analyzed PILRA rs1859788 polymorphism and HSV-1 humoral immune responses in AD (n = 61) and MCI patients (n = 48), and in sex and age matched healthy controls (HC; n = 57). The rs1859788 PILRA genotype distribution was similar among AD, MCI and HC; HSV-1 antibody (Ab) titers were increased in AD and MCI compared to HC (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Notably, HSV-1-specific IgG1 were significantly increased in AD patients carrying PILRA R78 rs1859788 AA than in those carrying G78 AG or GG (p = 0.01 for both comparisons), and the lowest titers of HSV-1-specific IgG1 were observed in rs1859788 GG AD. HSV-1 IgG are increased in AD patients with the protective R78 PILRA genotype. Because in AD patients brain atrophy is inversely correlated with HSV-1-specific IgG titers, results herein suggest a possible link between two important genetic and infective factors suspected to be involved in AD pathogenesis.

Seroprevalence of Anti HSV-2 IgG among Women of Reproductive Age attending General Hospital Dutse

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) remains one of the widespread and chronic sexually transmitted infections (STI) globally with highest disease burden in African females. A study to determine the humoral immune response to HSV-2 was carried out with a view to “x- raying” the magnitude of the infection among females of reproductive age in Dutse. A total of 94 clients were recruited for the study and Samples were randomly collected after obtaining their consent. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture demographic information in addition to knowledge, attitude and practices of each respondent. Samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-2 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were further subjected to Chi-square test using SPSS version 22.0 where p-values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Out of the 94 samples tested, 29 (30.9%) were positive for anti HSV-2 IgG with high Seroprevalence rates among all age groups. However, age group 15-19 recorded the highest Seroprevalence of 46.2%. Similarly, age groups 20-29, 30-39 and ≥ 40 recorded 28.8%, 26.3% and 33.3% respectively. Chi- square test showed that Seroprevalence of HSV-2 was not significantly associated with age, marital status or level of education. However, it was strongly associated with number of sexual partners (p= 0.048). Higher Seroprevalence was also recorded among women with no educational exposure than those with at least primary or higher level of education. However, Seroprevalence of infection was not statistically associated with level of education p= (0.059). Married women recorded a higher Seroprevalence than the singles. The findings of this research indicates a high Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex - 2 Virus among women of reproductive age which implies a public health problem to the populace of Dutse and Jigawa state at large making it necessary for the government and other stakeholders to properly curtail the situation through public enlightenment, and implementation of other health policies.&#x0D;

Risk factors for herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation: Cross-sectional studies among EPIC-Norfolk participants.

BackgroundThe prevalence of, and risk factors for, herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection and reactivation in older individuals are poorly understood.MethodsThis is a prospective population-based study among community-dwelling individuals aged 40–79 years, followed from 1993, formed as a random subsample of the UK-based EPIC-Norfolk cohort. HSV-1 seropositivity was derived from immunoglobulin G measurements and frequent oro-labial HSV reactivation was self-reported. We carried out two cross-sectional studies using logistic regression to investigate childhood social and environmental conditions as risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity and comorbidities as risk factors for apparent HSV oro-labial reactivation.ResultsOf 9,929 participants, 6310 (63.6%) were HSV-1 IgG positive, and 870 (of 4,934 seropositive participants with reactivation data) experienced frequent oro-labial reactivation. Being born outside the UK/Ireland, contemporaneous urban living and having ≥4 siblings were risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity. Ever diagnosed with kidney disease, but no other comorbidities, was associated with an increased risk of frequent HSV reactivation (adjOR 1.87, 95%CI: 1.02–3.40).DiscussionApparent HSV-1 seropositivity and clinical reactivation are common within an ageing UK population. HSV-1 seropositivity is socially patterned while risk factors for oro-labial HSV reactivation are less clear. Further large studies of risk factors are needed to inform HSV-1 control strategies.

Sexual behavioural correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infections among pregnant women in South-western Nigeria

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease. It leads to lifelong latent infection and this raises concerns among women of reproductive age, considering the risk of neonatal transmission. This study was undertaken to identify the sexual behavioural correlates of HSV-2 infection as well as negative pregnancy outcomes.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2013, in the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. A total of 270 pregnant women aged 20 to 44 years were enrolled and their serum samples were tested for HSV-2 IgG using type specific third generation ELISA (DIAPRO Milano Italy). Pretested validated questionnaire were used to obtain bio-data, sexual behaviour and obstetrics history of the participants. Data analyses was done using SPSS version 20.Results: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 type specific IgG was 33.3% (90/270). Logistic regression analysis showed that multiple lifetime sexual partners, early age at sexual debut, previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and having spouses whose work keep them away from home, were independent risk factors for HSV-2 infection. Obstetrics complications such as intrauterine foetal death, congenital malformations and spontaneous abortion were also strongly associated.Conclusions: The predictors of HSV-2 infection in this study may be important in selecting candidates for screening tests and developing strategies towards effective health promotion campaign.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 IgG antibodies in sera of umbilical cord as a proxy for placental infection in asymptomatic pregnant women.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is mainly sexually transmitted. When infecting pregnant women, HSV-2 is able to infect the placenta, can reach the fetus, and may affect the fetal development. We sought to determine the prevalence of HSV-2 infection and reactivation in asymptomatic pregnant women, the correlation between IgG in the maternal circulation and cord blood, and the correlation between circulating IgG, placental, and newborn infection (blood cord). Serum samples and placental tissues from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood samples from their newborns were collected. Anti-HSV-2 antibodies were identified by ELISA, and HSV-2 DNA was detected by nested PCR. The seropositivity of IgG in pregnant women was 29.7% and IgM was detected in 1 woman (0.5%). In the umbilical cord of newborns, 33.1% were IgG-positive and IgM was detected in 2 samples (1.5%). A positive correlation between HSV-2 IgG titers in serum from pregnant women and cord blood samples was found (r=.36, P=.001). A difference between the positive and negative placental groups (maternal side) was found in titers of IgG in sera of umbilical cord, which were significantly higher in the positive placental group (P=.004). We describe for the first time that newborns from mothers with HSV-2 placental infection have higher IgG titers in sera of umbilical cord, suggesting IgGs antibodies can be indicative of placental viral infection in asymptomatic women.

Co-Infection Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 with Human Papillomavirus and Associated Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Women in Ghana

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are among the most common human viral infections worldwide and associated with increased risk for other sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of population data on the joint epidemiology of HPV-HSV infections in Ghana. In order to determine the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 co-infection with HPV and associated risk factors, 317 asymptomatic women attending the Cervicare Centers in Ghana were invited to participate in cross-sectional study. Serum HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG were determined by ELISA method. Genomic DNA from cervical swabs was extracted using QIAamp Mini kit. HPV-DNA detection was carried out by nested multiplex PCR as was described by Sotlar et al., (2004). The mean age of study participants was 40.7 years (SD ± 11.2). Our result showed the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection among HPV positive women as 98.6% and 80.4% respectively. Among unscreened women participating in the study the co-infection of HSV-1/HPV and HSV-2/HPV was 42.9% and 35.0%, respectively. Age of coitache was associated with sero-prevalence of HSV-1 (p=0.010), HPV infection (p=0.016), and with co-infection HPV and HSV-1 (p=0.025), HPV and HSV-2 (p=0.011) and weakly with single HSV-2 infection (p=0.054). In conclusion, the high prevalence of co-infection was due to the endemicity and inadequate intervention in the study population. A woman’s age of sexual debut was a strong risk factor for co-infection of HPV and HSV-1 or HSV-2. The outcome of this novel observation stresses the urgent need to develop appropriate interventional strategies to manage and cancel patients presenting with asymptomatic genital herpes.

Expression and characterization of the soluble form of recombinant mature HSV-2 glycoprotein G for use in anti-HSV-2 IgG serodiagnostic immunoassay

Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) specific glycoprotein G (gG-2) is widely used as the antigen of choice for serodiagnosis of HSV-2. In order to develop an ELISA for serodetection of HSV-2 IgG in patient sera, the soluble form of the mature gG-2 antigen (mgG-2), gG283-649, was expressed using a baculovirus expression system. gG283-649 contains the complete extracellular domain of mgG-2 including the C-terminal region, which despite homology to gG-1, does not cross-react with HSV-1 antibodies present in HSV-1 positive patient sera. gG283-649 had increased performance compared to a previously described gG-2 fragment and showed high sensitivity and specificity in a method comparison with HerpeSelect 1 & 2 Immunoblot IgG, a commercially available FDA-cleared assay for serodetection of HSV-1 and 2 antibodies. A total of 234 clinical samples consisting of 134 high risk samples, including 45 samples from pregnant subjects, and a panel of 100 mixed diagnosis samples, spanning the measurable range were tested in the method comparison. Clinical sensitivity and specificity were determined to be 94.2% and 100%, respectively. We conclude that this soluble form of mgG-2 is a novel antigen of choice for developing an ELISA for type-specific serodiagnosis of HSV-2.