Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-2 in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT

Viral infections are a real threat in kidney transplant recipients because of their immunocompromised condition. This study aimed to evaluate herpes simplex virus-2 [HSV-2] seropositivity among kidney transplant recipients. Serum samples of 91 kidney transplant recipients from Urmia, Iran, were examined serologically for antibodies against HSV-2 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean time from transplantation at HSV-2 testing was 5.04 +/- 4.45 years. The anti-HSV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody was positive in 5.4% of the kidney transplant recipients. Seropositive patients did not present any clinical manifestations of genital herpes infection. There was no association between HSV-2 seropositivity and age, gender, history of hemodialysis and transplantation, blood transfusion, or immunosuppressive regimen. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 is not high among our kidney transplant recipients. However, it remains a source of concern, considering the compromised immune system in this specific population