Herpes simplex virus 2 infection rate and necessity of screening during pregnancy: a clinical and seroepidemiologic study

• Published in: Yonsei medical journal Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 401 - 407
• Main Authors: Kim, Il Dong, Chang, Ho Sun, Hwang, Kyung Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Yonsei University College of Medicine 01.03.2012; 연세대학교의과대학
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Herpes Genitalis - diagnosis; Herpes Genitalis - epidemiology; Herpes Genitalis - virology; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 2, Human - pathogenicity; Humans; Original; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - diagnosis; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - epidemiology; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - virology; Retrospective Studies; 의학일반
• ISSN: 0513-5796; 1976-2437
• DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.401

This study determined the seroprevalence of herpes virus 2 in gravidas and the differences between herpes virus 2-infected and healthy gravidas. The need to screen gravidas for herpes virus 2 was also evaluated. A retrospective analysis involving 500 gravidas who underwent herpes virus 2 serologic testing and delivery in our hospital between January 2009 and August 2010 was performed. All patients in the study group were classified as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) positive, and all cases were analyzed with respect to the clinical course of the pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, obstetric complications, and neonatal outcomes. SPSS software (version 14.0) was used for statistical analysis. A chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. In the current study, the herpes virus 2 seroprevalence rate in gravidas was 17%. There was no significant difference in the rates of preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction between the herpes virus 2-infected gravidas and the healthy control group. The rates of spontaneous abortion and sexually transmitted disease were higher in the herpes virus 2 infection group than the healthy control group. After educating gravidas on genital herpes and, if gravidas thereafter consent to herpes virus 2 screening, the risk of neonatal herpes virus 2 infections can be reduced. In addition, examination of gravidas for sexually transmitted diseases would increase as would appropriate treatment.