PREVALENCE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-2 AMONG HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS IN SOME AREAS OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are large double-stranded DNA virus that are proficient in promoting cell death upon infection and in establishing latency in sensory ganglia and replicating in epithelial cells during primary and recurrent infection. Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant public health problem being one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and the leading cause of genital ulcerative disease (GUD) that is common both in industrialized and developing countries. The objective of this study was to survey Immunoglobulin G and M of Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 among HIV positives patients in Katsina State, by determining the sociodemorgraphic and risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection. A cross-sectional serological survey enrolling 125 HIV positive participants attending public health care settings in six local government of Katsina State was conducted. Serum samples were obtained from randomly selected subjects. Samples were tested using an IgG and IgM HSV-2 specific commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The overall prevalence of HSV-2 IgG is 74.4% and 40.0% for IgM ranging from 81.8% in Katsina, 81.3% in Daura, 69.2% in Malumfashi, 64.3% in Baure, 63.2% in Funtua to 82.4% in Dutsinma for IgG respectively while IgM recorded prevalence rate of 23.5% in Dutsinma, 36.4% in Katsina, 42.9% in Baure, 62.5% in Daura, 36.8% in Funtua and 42.3% in Malumfashi. HSV-2 prevalence increased with age and HIV positivity. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of Herpes type-2 positivity among the participants. We recommend improved health education regarding Herpes type 2 among the populace and increasing routine testing for Herpes type 2 antibodies to prevent HSV-2 related morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients.