We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Herpes simplex virus 2 infection: a risk factor for HIV infection in heterosexuals.
- Authors
Anuradha K; Singh HM; Gopal K; Rama Rao GR; Ramani TV; Padmaja J; Anuradha, K; Singh, H Maan; Gopal, K V T; Rama Rao, G Raghu; Ramani, T V; Padmaja, Jyothi
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>Genital ulcerative disease is one of the risk factors for acquisition of HIV. As HSV-2 infection is currently the most common cause of genital ulcerative disease, it acts as a potential risk factor for HIV infection. The present study was undertaken to know the seroprevalence of antibodies to HSV-2 in HIV seropositive individuals and in the general population, and to ascertain if HSV-2 is a risk factor for developing HIV infection.<bold>Methods: </bold>The study group included one hundred new HIV seropositive persons irrespective of active genital herpes or history of genital herpes. Fifty age- and sex- matched healthy volunteers were included as controls. In all patients and controls, diagnostic serology was done for HSV-2 using HSV-2-specific glycoprotein IgG2 by indirect immunoassay using the ELISA test. Statistical value 'P' was calculated using the Chi-squared test.<bold>Results: </bold>Out of the 100 HIV seropositives, 66 were males and 34 were females with an age range of 20-54 years. In only 22 (19 males and 3 females) of these, positive history of genital herpes was obtained. In 49 out of the 100 HIV seropositives, IgG2 antibodies against HSV-2 were detected. In the control group, 11 out of 50 controls were seropositive for HSV-2 IgG2 antibody. There was a statistically significant association between HSV-2 and HIV seropositivity with 'P' value<bold>Conclusion: </bold>The high prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity in the HIV-infected group (49%) as compared to normal controls (22%) was statistically significant. Prior HSV-2 infection could be an important risk factor for acquisition of HIV in our patients.
- Publication
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, 2008, Vol 74, Issue 3, p230
- ISSN
0378-6323
- Publication type
journal article