Seroepidemiology of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 [HSV1 and HSV2] among asymptomatic university students attending Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun, southwest of Iran

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 [HSV-1 and HSV-2] are common infectious agents worldwide. Data on prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are limited in Asia, especially in Iran. Our study aimed on determination of seroepidemiology of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in asymptomatic healthy students of Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun, Fars province, southwest of Iran. The study population included 360 students with a mean age of 22.2 years. Demographic data were gathered by a well-designed questionnaire. For serological studies, 5 ml of blood sample was collected and centrifuged. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] was used to determine immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibody titer to the HSV-1 and HSV-2. Totally, HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibody were positive in 285 [79.2%] and 84 [23.3%] subjects, respectively. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was higher among females [29.0%] compared with males [17.5%] [p<0.05], however, there was no significant correlation between gender and HSV-I seroprevalence. Results confirm a high prevalence of HSV infection. Our findings were in agreement with in prior studies in which HSV-2 infection was more prevalent among female subjects. The high prevalence of HSV infection underlines the need for focusing on preventive efforts and education among the population