Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-2 in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience.
BACKGROUND
Viral infections are a real threat in kidney transplant recipients because of their immunocompromised condition. This study aimed to evaluate herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) seropositivity among kidney transplant recipients.


METHODS
Serum samples of 91 kidney transplant recipients from Urmia, Iran, were examined serologically for antibodies against HSV-2 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
The mean time from transplantation at HSV-2 testing was 5.04 +/- 4.45 years. The anti-HSV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody was positive in 5.4% of the kidney transplant recipients. Seropositive patients did not present any clinical manifestations of genital herpes infection. There was no association between HSV-2 seropositivity and age, gender, history of hemodialysis and transplantation, blood transfusion, or immunosuppressive regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Seroprevalence of HSV-2 is not high among our kidney transplant recipients. However, it remains a source of concern, considering the compromised immune system in this specific population.
Rostamzadeh Khameneh
Zakieh
Z
Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. nariman256@gmail.com
Sepehrvand
Nariman
N
Taghizadeh-Afshari
Ali
A
Motazakker
Morteza
M
Ghafari
Ali
A
Masudi
Sima
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult