Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among People living with HIV/AIDS in Northwestern, Nigeria

AbstractBackgroundIn most developing countries, including Nigeria, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, which often results in more frequent, lasting, and severe clinical outcomes. Despite the association between HSV-2 and HIV, knowledge regarding HSV-2 among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in northern Nigeria is elusive.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sought to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of HSV-2 among PLWHA attending a referral hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Blood samples collected from 180 PLWHA were screened for HSV-2 IgM using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and then subjected to molecular characterization using HSV-2 specific PCR. Moreover, socio-demographic data and risk factors of the sampled population were collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 6.1%, with 5.0% and 1.1% in females and males, respectively. However, no significant association (P > 0.05) existed between HSV-2 seroprevalence with marital status, gender, occupation, residence, educational level, age, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), ethnicity, and the number of sex partners. In addition, condom use significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the risk of HSV-2 infection among the study population. However, only 5 (45.45%) of the 11 (100.0%) HSV-2 seropositive subjects were molecularly confirmed to be HSV-2 positive using PCR.ConclusionThis is the first study to confirm the presence of HSV-2 infection among PLWHA in Northwestern Nigeria. Data obtained stress the need for surveillance of HSV-2 therapy, and public enlightenment on the use of condoms to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.