Study of Seroprevalence of HSV Infection at Government General Hospital, Kakinada

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To study the seroprevalence of HSV infection in patients attending STI clinic, Government General Hospital, Kakinada and to note the association of HSV seropositivity with HIV infection and other risk factors. METERIAL AND METHODS 82 consecutive STI clinic attendees of both sexes of 15-70 years with STI complaints were included in this study. Serum samples were screened for HSV-1 and HSV-2 type specific IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA-Euroimmune Kits. RESULTS Out of 82 patients, 42 females and 40 males, 39 had genital herpes (including 5 cervicitis) and 43 had other STDs like genital candidiasis, non specific urethritis, condyloma acuminata, molluscum contagiosum and erectile dysfunction. Two were seropositive for HSV-1 IgM, 68 (82.9 %) for HSV-1 IgG, 4 for HSV-2 IgM and 40 (48.8 %) for HSV-2 IgG.12 Tzanck smears were positive. All were RPR nonreactive. DISCUSSION HSV-1 and HSV-2 seropositivity was high in uneducated, urban low socioeconomic people. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 53.8 % of genital herpes, with high incidence in high risk groups. Therefore, HSV-2 antibody can serve as serologic marker for sexual behaviour. HSV-2 IgG positivity and HIV had significant p-value of less than0.001 suggesting disruption of mucocutaneous barrier by HSV allows HIV and other STDs. In those with other STDs, 44.2 % subclinical HSV infections were detected. As sexual and vertical transmission occur during asymptomatic viral shedding, premarital testing of HSV is necessary to have a healthy offspring. All STI clinic attendants need serological screening for HSV, HIV, RPR, HBs Ag and other related STD pathogens