Molecular Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Some Hospitals within Bauchi Metropolis
J. Yisa *
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
T. Inusa
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
A. Salisu
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), Bauchi State, Nigeria.
S. J. Linus
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
U. N. Harrison
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
J. Davidson
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
S. Ismail
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Z. M. Kabeer
School of Science, Biology Department, Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
A. J. Na’Allah
Department of Microbiology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
A. D. Muhammad
Department of Microbiology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
F. M. Ado
Department of Microbiology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
M. Y. Iliyasu
Department of Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) belongs to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily within the Herpesviridae family and causes genital herpes. Genital HSV infection is a pressing public health issue, with its global prevalence rising significantly over the past 40 years. Pregnancy is a distinct phase of life experienced by many women.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted among 162 pregnant women who were screened for herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical characteristics were analysed in relation to HSV-2 test outcomes. Associations were determined using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 162 blood samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. The findings revealed that 5 (3.1%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG, and 1 (0.6%) was positive for HSV-2 IgG/IgM. IgG antibodies usually indicate past or latent infection, while IgM antibodies suggest recent or acute infection. The absence of amplified DNA fragments in the five analysed samples indicated that HSV-2 genetic material was not detected at the time of analysis.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a relatively low burden of HSV-2 infection among the pregnant women examined, especially when compared with several Nigerian and African studies reporting higher seroprevalence rates. The presence of both IgG (3.1%) and IgG/IgM (0.6%) antibodies confirms that HSV-2 infection still occurs among pregnant women. These findings highlight the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics with serological screening and clinical evaluation to better understand the epidemiology of HSV-2 infection during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics of herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) among pregnant women attending some hospitals within Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Herpes simplex virus type 2, pregnancy, antenatal care, seroprevalence, IgG, IgM, polymerase chain reaction, molecular detection, risk factors, Bauchi Metropolis