RESUMEN
Background: Viral infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is one of the commonest opportunistic infection in HIV seropositive patients. Studies have confirmed that genital herpes caused by HSV-2 has been associated with twofold to threefold increased risk of HIV acquisition. This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in HIV positive patients. Methods: This was a prospective, cross sectional study conducted from July 2012 to January 2013. After obtaining written informed consent, HIV positive patients were enrolled into the study. Demographic characteristics were recorded. Serology test was performed using HSV-2 IgG ELISA test kit from Calbiotech, USA. Results were analyzed using Chi-squared test. Results: Out of two hundred and seventy three HIV positive patients enrolled, 67% were males, 33% were females and one transgender. Average age was 38.8 years. Overall 50% of HIV positive patients had HSV-2 IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 among HIV positive men and women were 47% and 57% respectively. The highest HSV-2 seropositivity was detected in the age group of 36 to 45 years. Chi-squared analysis showed a statistically significant association between HSV-2 and HIV infection (X2 = 55.900, P = 0.0076). The median CD4 counts estimated in 100 patients were 563.50 cells/mm3. There was no significant difference in CD4 counts of those with or without HSV-2. Conclusions: HSV-2 prevalence was higher in HIV positive women than in men. The implementation of continuous interventions for STIs and HIV will bring down the prevalence and spread of both HSV-2 and HIV infection.