Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 among Women Attending Antenatal and Gynecology Clinics in Sana'a City-Yemen

Abstract

Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) is extremely common and widespread occurring in a worldwide distribution. Herpes virus infections are caused by the two distinct antigenic types; herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). They show a wide variety of clinical manifestations from recognizable symptomatic diseases to subclinical and symptomatic infections [1]. HSV has been implicated in human infection since description of cutaneous spreading lesions in ancient Greek time. Scholars of Greek defined the word herpes to mean “to creep or crawel” in reference to the spreading nature of the observed skin lesions [1]. There are no known animal vectors and human appears to be the only natural reservoir. Direct contact with infected secretions is the principle mode of spread. HSV has the ability to recur in the presence of humoral immunitya characteristic known as reactivation of latent infection [2]. Effective antiviral drugs are developed and are widely used. HSV infection is common in women of reproductive age it can be transmitted and contracted to the fetus during pregnancy and the newborn. Moreover, HSV is an important cause of neonatal infection, which can lead to death or long-term disabilities. Also HSV infection in non-pregnant women may lead to lesions on face and genitalia and spreading virus to others by direct or sexual contact [3]. In our knowledge, there are no previous published studies or recorded data regarding the seroprevalence of HSV in Yemen. Therefore, there is no guideline of diagnosis or treatment of HSV infections in women; especially pregnant women in hospitals or health centers in Yemen. Laboratory diagnosis can be confirmed by virus isolation in cell culture or by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection. Serological assays that distinguish between antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 have been developed and are commercially available [3]. In our study, determination of the prevalence of HSV antibodies and potential risk factors of HSV infections among women attending some hospitals and health centers in Sana’a city based on type-specific serological assay was carried out. Volume 5 Issue 4 2017