Co-infection of herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV infections among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of global infectious diseases 2019-01, Vol.11 (1), p.19-24
• Main Authors: Anaedobe, Chinenye, Ajani, Tinuade
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Age; AIDS; Antigens; Care and treatment; Comorbidity; Diagnosis; Disease prevention; Disease transmission; Enzymes; Forecasts and trends; Glycoproteins; Health aspects; Health risk assessment; Herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus; herpes simplex virus type 2; Herpes viruses; Herpesvirus infections; HIV; HIV infections; Human immunodeficiency virus; Immunoglobulins; Infections; Intervention; Maternal & child health; neonatal transmission; Newborn infants; Original; Pandemics; Pregnancy; Pregnant women; prevalence; Studies; Universities and colleges; Womens health
• ISSN: 0974-777X; 0974-8245
• DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_56_18

Introduction: Genital infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) facilitates the acquisition of HIV, both mutually reinforcing infection. Lifelong latent HSV-2 infection raises concerns among women of reproductive age, considering the risk of neonatal transmission. In Nigeria, screening for HSV-2 and co-infection with HIV in antenatal clinics is not routine. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence and co-infection of HSV-2 and HIV among pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between March and August 2013. A total of 270 consenting pregnant women were enrolled. The study involved collecting socio-demographic data and laboratory determination of HSV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and HIV seroprevalence using type-specific third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DIAPRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Milan, Italy) and Uni-Gold Recombigen/ALERE determine, respectively. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., IL, USA). Results: The seroprevalence for HSV-2 type-specific IgG was 33.3% (90/270), and HIV antibodies were identified in 19.63% (53/270) of the women. The HIV co-infection was 38.8% (35/90) among HSV-2-positive women and 10% (18/180) among HSV-2-negative women. Majority of the HSV-2 positive women (62.2%, 56/90) presented in their 2nd trimester while 18.9% (17/90) in their 3rd trimester. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 in this pregnant population is lower than what is observed in some other Sub-Saharan African countries; however, HSV-2/HIV co-infection is high. The HSV-2-seronegative women are still susceptible to primary HSV-2 infection in pregnancy with increased risk for HIV co-infection and neonatal transmission.