ABSTRACT
The seroprevalence of HSV type 1 and 2 both in HIV positive and negative individuals of south India was studied. A comparative analysis was made to study the IgG and IgM antibodies to both types of HSV and the age and gender based distribution of HSV. IgG antibodies were more in HIV positive patients than the IgM antibodies. HSV-1 was more in HIV negative men and in HIV positive men, HSV was predominant than in women. Co infection with both HSV types was more in men. Either HSV-1 or 2 or both were predominant in HIV positive persons of 30 yrs or above than in those below 30 years. HIV negative patients showed high HSV-1 in the age group of 30 and above and high HSV-1 and 2 co infection was found in the age group below 30 yrs. HSV-2 was equally prevalent in both groups. This study helps in the earlier detection of HSV antibodies, which would be useful in immunoprophylaxis.