title: Incidence and risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 seroconversion among pregnant women in Uganda: A prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) acquired during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as perinatal HSV-2 transmission. HSV-2 seroconversion occurs within four weeks of HSV-2 acquisition. There was neither documented incidence nor risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion among pregnant women in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study of 200 consenting HSV-2-negative women between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation was done between November 2013 and October 2014. HSV-2 serostatus was determined using HerpeSelect HSV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and sexual history. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus was obtained from antenatal records. A total of 191 women completed follow-up and repeat HSV-2 serology by 38 weeks. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to estimate risk ratios for risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 191 women, 15 (7.9%) seroconverted during pregnancy. Having multiple sexual partners, being in polygamous unions, and having HIV-positive serostatus were found to be risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy in Uganda was high. Multiple sexual partners, polygamy, and HIV-positive serostatus were risk factors for HSV-2 seroconversion during pregnancy. Strengthening health education on the avoidance of multiple sexual partners during pregnancy is paramount in prevention of HSV-2 seroconversion.
authors: Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. sarahug@gmail.com.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Nakubulwa
authors: Dan K
authors: DK
authors: Kaye
authors: Freddie
authors: F
authors: Bwanga
authors: Nazarius Mbona
authors: NM
authors: Tumwesigye
authors: Edith
authors: E
authors: Nakku-Joloba
authors: Florence M
authors: FM
authors: Mirembe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D000069078:Seroconversion; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral