Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 infection among pregnant women in urban health training Yopougon-Attie (Cote Divoire)

The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus II (HSV2) was investigated from April, 2011 to May, 2012 among 170 pregnant women attending consultation in the urban health training Yopougon-Attie, Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire). The anti-HSV2 immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies were detected by the principle of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Diagnostic Automation ELISA® kit. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was performed using rapid testing according to the national algorithm. Anti HSV2 IgG serology was positive in 96.5% (164/170) of women. HSV2/HIV coinfection was found in 6.7% (11/164) of parturients. No socio-epidemiological factor was related to the seroprevalence of HSV2 infection. Data from this study suggest a serological surveillance of pregnant women, in particular looking for a recent infection by assaying IgM or by real-time quantitative HSV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Indeed, the high prevalence of HSV2 in this population requires the implementation of a protocol in collaboration with the actors for the health of mother and child.   Key words: Pregnant, herpes simplex virus II (HSV2), seroprevalence, herpes simplex virus II-human immunodeficiency virus (HSV2-HIV) coinfection.