Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 and risk factors among HIV infected and uninfected individuals in North India

Abstract

Background

Opportunistic infections (OIs) continue to be one of the most universal

complications of HIV infected patients. In recent years, an interesting

epidemiological association has emerged between herpes simplex virus type-

2 (HSV-2) and HIV infection. HSV-2 seroprevalence rates are higher in HIV

seropositive individuals than in those who are HIV seronegative.

Method

A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in

North India, to determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection among HIV

infected and uninfected individuals, and to assess their risk behaviour. The

study group comprised 240 subjects:

Group A (Cases) – 120 HIV seropositive clients/patients.

Group B (Controls) – 120 age/sex matched HIV seronegative clients/patients.

HIV testing was carried out as per National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)

guidelines using E/R (ELISA/Rapid) tests. HSV-2 IgM and IgG antibody

detection was carried out using HSV-2 IgM and IgG ELISA based kits.

Results

Only one subject in Group A tested HSV-2 IgM seropositive, whereas all Group B subjects were HSV-2 IgM

seronegative. The number of HSV-2 IgG seropositive subjects in Group A was significantly higher (p<0.02) than

the seropositive subjects in Group B, and the number of seronegative subjects was significantly higher (p<0.01)

in Group B compared to Group A. On analyzing the sexual behaviour risk factors, it was found that subjects with

a history of multiple sexual partners was significantly higher (p<0.007) in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusion

HSV-2 IgG seropositivity was significantly higher in group A as compared to Group B. The significantly higher

number of HSV-2 IgG seropositive subjects in Group A had a history of unprotected sexual contacts, multiple

sexual partners and were more likely to have an HIV positive spouse or parent.