Serological and Molecular Detection of Herpes Virus From Vaginal Samples of Pregnant Women

Alaa Farooq Rasool; Sarah Shareif Akool; Hawraa Ali Mahmood

Alaa Farooq Rasool Central Public Health Laboratory in Muthanna
Sarah Shareif Akool Central Public Health Laboratory in Muthanna
Hawraa Ali Mahmood Central Public Health Laboratory in Muthanna

Keywords: HSV-1, HSV-2, Women, Pregnant, Molecular, Serological

Abstract

This investigation was done for serological and molecular detection of herpes virus from vaginal samples of pregnant women. This study involved the enrollment of 210 pregnant women who were admitted to a private hospital in Baghdad. The data collection period spanned from 2021 to 2023. Samples of serum and cervicovaginal lavage were obtained from the participants and then transferred to the laboratory under refrigeration using ice. Virus DNA from lavage specimens was extracted by using kit. Two primers were used in this study for detection of HSV-1 and 2. The presence of antibodies specific to HSV-1 and HSV-2 was determined in serum samples using a competitive type-specific ELISA. IgG prevalence was assessed to be 91% (191 out of 210) and IgM prevalence was determined to be 5.7% (12 out of 210) based on results from serological tests of total HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. Out of a total of 210 people, 96.7% (203 of 203) were affected. The estimated HSV-1 and HSV-2 frequencies in this research were 5.2% and 8.6%, respectively, based on molecular studies. The current study showed that age group 21-30 y were mostly affected.

Inconclusion, the primary observation derived from this study is the comparatively reduced prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among pregnant women, as opposed to the rates reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, it is evident that there is a need for extensive research to be conducted in order to determine the prevalence of HSV infections among Iraqi women, particularly in pregnant women, and to analyse the trends over time. In addition, the utilisation of molecular and serological techniques can prove to be advantageous in carrying out such investigations.

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