ABSTRACT
Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes, a chronic viral infection that is sexually transmitted and often results in genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG and IgM antibodies and the associated risk factors among undergraduate female students of Babcock University.Methods: After ethical approval was obtained, serum samples of 150 consenting female participants (16-35 years) were collected randomly and screened using NADALR HSV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (Bulgarian Company for Biotechnology, Sofia, Bulgaria). The demographic and clinical information of the participants were also collected using a structured questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS version 18.0.Results: The outcome of the study shows that out of the 150 participants screened, 5 (3.3%) were positive for HSV-2 IgG antibody, 4 (2.7%) were positive for HSV-2 IgM; while 2 (1.3%) were positive for both HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the seropositivity for HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies among the study participants on the basis of age distribution. With regards to clinical indication for genital herpes in relation to seropositivity of HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies among the study participants, none of the 7 (4.6%) who indicated vaginal itching was seropositive for either HSV-2 IgG or HSV-2 IgM or both. On the other hand, genital lesions were recorded in 0.7% HSV-2 IgG seropositive, 1.3% HSV-2 IgM seropositive and 0.7% HSV-2 both IgG and IgM seropositive. Genital ulcer was recorded among two participants who were either seropositive for HSV-2 IgG (0.7%) or HSV-2 IgM (0.7%). Only one (0.7%) participant indicated inguinal lymphadenopathy, however, the person was HSV-2 IgG/IgM seronegative. Identifiable risk factor significantly (P<0.05) associated with HSV-2 infection include: history of sexually transmitted infections, HIV positive status, and change of sex partners recently.Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows that HSV-2 infection exists among undergraduate female students of Babcock University, Nigeria and therefore appropriate public health measures must be taken to halt the cycle of infection within the University community. Early detection of genital herpes and prompt treatment will help prevent subsequent complications such as genital ulcer disease among young female adults.
ABSTRACT
Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic (3.4 million) in the world with 3.2% of her young adults infected. Knowledge and willingness of young adults to participate in early HIV vaccine trial (EHVT) are essential for future interventions. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing willingness to participate (WTP) in EHVT. A cross-sectional study was employed to fetch data from 750 young adults (18-40years) recruited by systematic random sampling between June to December 2016. An informed consent questionnaire addressing socio-demographic factors, contraceptive practices, risky behaviours, knowledge and perception of EHVT study was completed by the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software and p ⤠0.05 considered significant. Up to 240 (32.0%) of 750 expressed WTP in a vaccine study. There was a significant association between the WTP with; education levels (P=0.001), knowledge about HIV vaccine trial (HVT) studies (P=0.003); a positive insight toward the study (P=0.001); and age group 18-20years (P=0.001). Unwillingness to participate was associated with concerns about fear of reverting back, side effect, fear of spouse, use of parenteral route for its administration. Up to 684 (91.2%) of 750 knew contraceptive was for childbirth control, 241 (32.1%) has never used contraceptive while 172 (23%) used it during last coitus. Refusal to use contraceptive was associated with: religion, its side effect, not married, spouse un-approval, and ignorance. There was a significant association between the WTP with: education level, knowledge about HIV vaccine trial (HVT); a positive insight toward the study; and age group 14-20 years