Seroprevalence of Herpes simplex Virus Type 2 among Pregnant Women in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women worldwide. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-2 among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Maryam Abacha Women and Children's Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 200 blood samples were screened for HSV-2 among pregnant women. Socioeconomic factors were obtained from a questionnaire, and IgG/IgM antibodies were determined using an ELISA test kit. The Results have shown a prevalence of 6.59% among pregnant women. There was an association between tribe, religion, sexually transmitted Infection symptoms (STIs), history of genital ulcer, and the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type-2 IgM/IgG antibody. Based on age, all four groups were reactive, with the highest prevalence occurring in the age groups 21-30 years (9.1%), ≤ 20 years (6.1%),≥ 40 years (5.6%), and 31-40 years (2.3%). Based on residence, urban settlers have a higher percentage (7.6%) than rural settlers (4.8%). Those with tertiary education (8.7%) have the highest percentage, followed by those with secondary education (8.2%). These findings make it necessary for all expectant mothers to have a serological test for HSV antibodies to detect early and treat congenital Infections as soon as possible.