Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection Prevalence in Expectant Moth ers in Ideato South, Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant sexually transmitted infection (STI) of global relevance and a primary cause of genital ulcer disease. Maternal infection during gestation is linked to negative conse quences, such as premature birth and neonatal herpes. Even though HSV-2 infection is clinically important, there isn't much information about how common it is among pregnant women in rural Nigeria. A cross-section al study was performed involving 147 pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at Christ the King Hos pital, Ogwume, Ideato South, Imo State. The HerpeSelect-2 ELISA kit was used to analyse serum samples for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that are specific to HSV-2. Structured questionnaires were used to gather socio-demographic information. Descriptive statistics were employed to ascertain prevalence and distribution across demographic factors. The total seroprevalence of HSV-2 IgM was 8.8%. The highest prevalence was found in women between the ages of 19 and 29 (3.4%), followed by women between the ages of 30 and 39 (2.0%). Married women had a prevalence of 5.4%, whilst divorced women accounted for 1.3%. Health work ers had the largest occupational prevalence (2.7%), followed by traders (2.0%), government servants (1.36%), and students (0.7%). The highest prevalence (4.1%) was found in people who had completed secondary school. The lowest prevalence (2.0%) was found in those who had completed tertiary school and (0.7%) was found in people who had no education. Pregnant women in Ideato South still have a lot of HSV-2 infections, which is very bad for their health and the health of their babies. Younger and married women seem to be more at risk. Routine screening for HSV-2 during prenatal care, targeted education, and early antiviral treatments are suggested to lower the risk of transmission and enhance outcomes for mothers.
