SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 AMONGST PATIENTS' ATTENDING RETROVIRAL CLINIC IN FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ABEOKUTA, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital herpes worldwide and also has a role in facilitating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. The aim of the study was to determine seroprevalence of HSV-2 among the subjects and associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, 207 HIV Positive subjects attending a retroviral Clinic in Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Ogun state were interviewed and had blood samples taken. The patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and their serum samples were tested for HSV-2 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for consented participation. Prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was ascertained and related to demographics and behavioral variables. A total of 207 participants were recruited for this study comprising of Sixty-three (30.4%) male and 144 (69.6%) female HIV positive subjects. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 70.0%. Only 58(28%) had current history of genital ulcer. Logistic regression revealed a history of multiple sexual partners (P value=0.003), oral sex (P value=0.02) were found to be associated with HSV-2 acquisition in HIV patients. All other risk factors such as history of transactional sex, age at sexual debut and condom use were not significant. The results highlight the potential public health impact of HSV-2 particularly in a developing country like Nigeria where HSV-2 testing is not included in our testing and treatment protocol for HIV. This result should lead to commencement of HSV type-specific serological testing in the HIV infected population and also high risk groups should be targeted for behavioral modification messages. © Association of Resident Doctors, UCH, Ibadan.