Molecular Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Some Hospitals within Bauchi Metropolis

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.