Seroepidemiology of infection with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV2) among asymptomatic students attending Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun, southwest of Iran

Background

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are among the most common infectious diseases in humans. The prevalence of herpes simplex viruse type 2 (HSV-2) varies widely across the world. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause of most genital herpes and is almost always sexually transmitted.

Most HSV-2 infections are consequently expected to occur after the onset of sexual activity. Genital herpes is a cause of morbidity and increases the risk of HIV acquisition, due to disruption of mucosal membranes.

Data on prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are limited in Asia.

Our study focuses on seroepidemiology of HSV-2 infection in Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun asymptomatic healthy students.

Methods

In our descriptive study, the study group comprised 360 students with the average age of 22.2. At the beginning, demographic data were recorded by using a questionnaire. For serological studies 5 ml of blood sample was collected and the serum was isolated by centrifugation. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer to the HSV-2. Finally the results were analyzed by statistical methods.

Results

Overall, HSV-2-IgG antibody was positive in 84 persons (23.3%) out of 360 subjects and they had a previous infection.

We can find a significant difference in prevalence between men and women but didn't find any significant relationship between students with different field of study and their residence (p > 0.05).

Discussion

The overall incidence of HSV-2 infection in this study was 23.3%.

Certainly information on age- and gender-specific prevalence of HSV-2 infection is crucial to guide herpes control strategies and prevention of HSV-2 infection should target individuals before they become sexually active.