Epidemiological patterns of human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus co-infection in ibadan, nigeria

Abstract

There is no doubt that the greatest health problem threatening the human race these times is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The greatest burden of this scourge is in sub-saharan African. This has undoubtedly increased the incidence of opportunistic infection like herpes simplex virus infection. This study investigated the epidemiological pattern of HIV and HSV co-infection in patients attending the sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic of University
College Hospital, Ibadan. The findings revealed that a total of 63 patients
presented classical genital ulceration during the period of study. There was
statistical significance between the age group of the patients and their
seropositivity status (x2= 3.86, P< 0.05). The epidemiological studies also
revealed that there was statistical significant difference in development of
genital herpetic ulceration and their HIV seropositivity status (x2= 39.35, P< 0.05). There was also a significant difference between herpes simplex virus CPE formation from genital lesion and the HIV seropositivity status of the patients (x2= 10.96, P< 0.05). Also, there was statistical significant difference in HSV CPE formation from genital lesions of HIV seropositive patients already on antiretroviral therapy (x2= 4.06, P< 0.05). Ballooning
degeneration of cells indicative of CPE of HSV in vero cell lines were
detected within 2-3 days post inoculation. The HIV and HSV Co-infection
pattern among patients attending Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic in
University College Hospital, Ibadan is therefore discussed.
(Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 23 -26)

Key words: HIV, HSV, CPE, Serological status