Detection of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 And 2 among Asymptomatic Women in Ghana: Evidence From a Pilot Cervical Screening Study

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex virus infections account for a large burden of disease worldwide. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is traditionally associated with orofacial infections, whereas herpes simplex virus type 2 is linked to genital infections. Recent studies suggest an increasing role of herpes simplex virus type 1 in genital infections. In Ghana, where reporting is not mandatory, reliable epidemiological data are limited. The aim of this pilot study was to detect and report the epidemiology of genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 gene variants among asymptomatic women in Ghana.

Methods: We utilized the Cervicare program in Ghana to screen a convenient subset of asymptomatic women presenting for cervical screening (n = 94). Genetic markers for both HSV type 1 and type 2 were detected in cervical swabs. Results were compared with existing serological HSV data from the parent study. Detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA was performed using polymerase chain reaction techniques.

Results: There was a preponderance of herpes simplex virus type 1 (12.8%) genital infections in our study sample compared to herpes simplex virus type 2 (4.8%). Co-infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 was detected in 4.3% of the study population. Among positive cases for HSV-1 DNA, 92% had confirmed seropositive HSV-1 status and 8% were borderline result. All positive HSV-2 DNA were confirmed seropositive HSV-2 status.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the presence of HSV- 1 and HSV-2 gene variants among asymptomatic women in Ghana and highlights the need for larger surveillance studies to better understand the epidemiology and public health burden of genital herpes infection.