Assessment of Serological Data of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Infections in Samsun, Turkey, 2012-2016

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2(HSV-1 and HSV-2) are worldwide the most common human pathogens with a lifelong latency. HSV-1 more commonly causes orofacial infection while HSV-2 typically genital infection in both males and females of all age groups. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM against HSV-1 and HSV-2 among various age groups in Samsun, Turkey between 2012 and 2016.Overall the prevalence of IgG and IgM for HSV-1 was 89% and 4%, respectively, and that against HSV-2 92% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of IgG against HSV-1 and -2 was 69-94% for all age groups, and that of IgM for HSV-1 and -2 4-8% for ages >1 to 55 years, with no IgM detected for ages >55 years. Interactions with other sexually transmitted diseases and an increasing prevalence of HSVs have made these infections a major public health concern worldwide in the past few decades. Hence, early diagnosis and initiation of therapy are important for the management of these infections.