Cervical Cytology and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Serology Among Human Immune Deficiency Virus Infected Women on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 (HSV-2) infections are high and the programme for Cervical Cancer Screening is weak in Nigeria. Objectives: Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 co-infection and cervical cytology among HSV-2 co-infected Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero-positive (HIV⁺) women on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) attending Human Immunodeficiency Virus clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Active participants included 105 HIV seropositive women on HAART and104 HIV seronegative (HIV^-) women who passed inclusion criteria and signed written informed consent. Each participant was coded with a specific number. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic and medical history. Serum was obtained for HSV-2 serology test for all participants and HIV screening for HIV-negative participants. Cervical smears were collected for Papanicolaou stains and Immunocytochemistry using anti-P16^INKa antibody. Results: Prevalence of HSV-2⁺ was 50.5% among HIV⁺ women on HAART and 16.3% among HIV- women, Odds Ratios [95% CI]; p-value was 5.21 [2.74-9.94]; p < 0.0001. HIV⁺ women on HAART co-infected with HSV-2 significantly had more Cervical Lesions, 11.4% compared to HIVwomen uninfected with HSV-2, 4.8%, OR [95% CI]; p-value 4.8 (1.58-14.54); p = 0.006. Conclusion: The prevalence of HSV-2 was significantly high among HIV⁺ women on HAART. HSV-²⁺ co-infection could be an enhancer of Cervical Lesions among HIV⁺ women on HAART. Hence, anti-herpetic agent introduction and screening for HSV-2 among HIV⁺ patients are recommended.