Abstract
Background:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are common infectious agents worldwide. Data on prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are limited in Asia, especially in Iran. Our study aimed on determination of seroepidemiology of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in asymptomatic healthy students of Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun, Fars province, southwest of Iran.Patients and Methods:
The study population included 360 students with a mean age of 22.2 years. Demographic data were gathered by a well-designed questionnaire. For serological studies, 5 ml of blood sample was collected and centrifuged. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer to the HSV-1 and HSV-2.Results:
Totally, HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibody were positive in 285 (79.2%) and 84 (23.3%) subjects, respectively. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was higher among females (29.0%) compared with males (17.5%) (p<0.05), however, there was no significant correlation between gender and HSV-1 seroprevalence.Conclusion:
Results confirm a high prevalence of HSV infection. Our findings were in agreement with prior studies in which HSV-2 infection was more prevalent among female subjects. The high prevalence of HSV infection underlines the need for focusing on preventive efforts and education among the population.Keywords
Seroprevalence Herpes simplex virus ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) Iran
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