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. © Ibadan Biomedical Communications Group.