Seroprevalence of Anti- Herpes Simplex Virus Type2 IgG, IgM Antibodies Among Pregnant Women in Diyala Province

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide. The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, prematurity, and congenital and neonatal herpes. Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 among pregnant women in Diyala province. Materials and methods: Ninety one pregnant women were chosen from those attending the primary health care centers in Baquba - Diyala province, during the period from 1st November / 2012 till 30th April / 2013. The age range between (15-37) years and the mean age was (25.10 ± 5.27) years. Anti- herpes simplex virus type 2 IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed by Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay technique. (ELISA). Results: The results showed that the anti- herpes simplex virus type 2 IgG, IgM antibodies seroprevalence among pregnant women was 2 out of 91(2.2%), and 2out of 91(2.2%) respectively. The results of statistical analysis did not reveale significant differences with age, residence, educational levels, duration of pregnancy, previous of abortion and number of abortions on the prevalence of anti- herpes simplex type virus 2 IgM and IgG. The rate of susceptibility for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among pregnant women was 89 (97.8%). Conclusion: Low prevalence rate of HSV-2 seropositivity was appeared among pregnant women in studies area. However, it's necessary to focus on the women that demonstrated susceptibility for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection