Seroprevalence Of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 In Hiv Positive Patients Attending A Tertiary Hospital In Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV1) is the primary cause of cold sores. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence among HIV positive patients attending the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. Methods: A total of 200 blood samples were collected from consenting adult and were analyzed for HSV 1 antibodies using ELISA. Socio demographic data, socio economic factors, behavioral characteristics and the health status of the subjects were obtained via the administered questionnaire. Results: A seroprevalence of 56.0% (112/200) was obtained from the subjects out of which 87 (43.5%) were from urban and 25 (12.5%) rural (P= 0.354). High seropositivity was noticed amongst subjects of monogamous marriage (34.5%) (P= 0.314). Seropositivity of 24.5% (Christians) and 31.5% (Muslims) was recorded at P= 0.471. Trend of increasing seropositivity was recorded in order of single, married, divorced and widowed (P=0.429). The group with primary level of education had the highest HSV1 prevalence (P= 0.969) while analysis of subject by occupation reveals that the retiree and self-employed had the highest seroprevalence (66.7% and 58.0%) at P= 0.795. Respondent that reported no use of condom and those without an answer had the highest prevalence (P= 0.098) and similarly, subject that gave no answer for frequency of condom usage had the highest prevalence (P= 0.463). Conclusion: Since most of the infected human are asymptomatic to HSV1, adherence to clean hygiene and safe sex should be maintained. Key Words: HSV1, HIV, Seroprevalence, Co-infection