Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 IgG Antibody among pregnant women in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Background and Aims: Herpes Simplex Type 2 Viruses (HSV- 2) are one of the most common viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, which are now a significant health concern. The most significant incidence of HSV infections occurs in women of reproductive age. Thus, the study aimed to ascertain the occurrence of HSV-2 IgG in pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and identify the demographic profile associated with the prevalence. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was adopted to randomly analyze 90 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess HSV-2 IgG antibodies in the samples obtained. Results: Of the 90 subjects, 51.1% were HSV-2 seropositive, while 48.9% were seronegative for HSV-2 IgG antibody. No statistical association existed between the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibodies and the sociodemographic factors studied (p>0.05). Higher prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibody mostly occurred in age 20-29 (54.2%), married (51.7%), no formal education (100.0%), unemployed and artisans (75.0%), Christians (53.1%), monogamous family type (52.0%), first trimester (62.5%), nulliparous (67.6%), abortion history (66.7%), history of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) (83.3%) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seropositive (100.0%). Conclusions: This study has confirmed that the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibodies among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria is very high. The results indicate a considerable risk of primary or recurrent HSV infection during pregnancy, as shown by the prevalence rates. Identifying those at the highest risk is an appropriate initial step before the design of intervention strategies. Consequently, intervention strategies will be harnessed and implemented to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus or newborn.