Seroprevalence of Igg Antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in Children Born HIV Positive under Antiretroviral Treatment at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction

43 years after the discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide, it has become certain over the years that its transmission and progression lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), relying on several biological factors, among which are opportunistic infections [1, 2]. These opportunistic infections are frequently encountered in developing countries [3].

Opportunistic infections present differently depending on their origin (bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal); those of viral origin, particularly infections caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), are responsible for a contagious disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by a vesicular eruption of grouped lesions [4]. This disease, long considered benign in immunocompetent individuals, can prove to be very severe in subjects with immune deficiencies [5-8]. Epidemiological data on the extent of opportunistic infections in HIV-immunocompromised individuals are gradually being reported, with few studies highlighting the impact of herpes virus in the context of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, and notably in Cameroon, where HSV may facilitate HIV infection and its pathological progression [9]. HIV infection is a significant public health issue [10]. Cameroon remains in a generalized HIV epidemic situation (prevalence: 2.7%) [11].

Still neglected in our context of endemic herpes viruses and generalized HIV epidemic, herpes would be emerging among PLHIV (People Living with HIV), especially in sub-Saharan African countries, thus suggesting the need for factual evidence [12]. This is all the more important as infections caused by Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) would be frequent in contexts of limited resources, although generally asymptomatic in cases of viral reactivation with virus excretion, transmissibility is significant (even from an inactive carrier of the virus), and cellular immunity (T lymphocytes) plays an essential role in controlling this infection and in the replicative activity of the virus [9]. The interaction between HSV and HIV would promote significant HIV replication and progression to AIDS stage Furthermore, genital infection with HSV-2 would be a risk factor for acquiring HIV, facilitated by the ulcerative and inflammatory nature of the genital infection caused by HSV. Given its complete incurability and latent character in immunocompetent individuals in general, it is imperative to monitor this viral infection in individuals born HIV-positive from HIV-positive mothers for better clinical-biological management and improved prevention of HSV consequences in the context of HIV in routine clinical practice in Cameroon. It is also essential to understand potential risk factors as well as the general level of knowledge among patients about this opportunistic infection.