Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection Rate and Necessity of Screening during Pregnancy: A Clinical and Seroepidemiologic Study.
10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.401
- Author:
Il Dong KIM
1
;
Ho Sun CHANG
;
Kyung Jin HWANG
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grace Women's Hospital, Goyang, Korea. kimid@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Herpes virus 2;
seroprevalence;
pregnancy;
sexually transmitted disease
- MeSH:
Adult;
Female;
Herpes Genitalis/*diagnosis/epidemiology/virology;
Herpes Simplex;
Herpesvirus 2, Human/*pathogenicity;
Humans;
Pregnancy;
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology;
Retrospective Studies
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2012;53(2):401-407
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
