Sero-Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus CoInfection Among Pregnant in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection presents a significant public health challenge, particularly among pregnant women, due to their synergistic interaction and potential for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study determined the seroprevalence of HSV-2 and HIV co-infection among pregnant women in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria, and identified associated socio-demographic and obstetric factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 pregnant women randomly recruited from Federal Medical Centre and the Specialist Hospital, Jalingo. Blood samples were analyzed for HSV-2 IgG antibodies using ELISA and HIV antibodies using rapid diagnostic tests. Molecular confirmation of HSV-2 was achieved through PCR targeting the UL41 gene, with amplicons resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis. Sociodemographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 7.0% (16/227), while HIV prevalence was 16.3% (37/227). Co-infection was observed in 2.2% (5/227) of participants. Among HSV-2- positive women, 31.3% were also HIV-positive, while 13.5% of HIV-positive women tested positive for HSV-2. The highest co-infection rate occurred in the 25–34 years age group (5.62%). Women from polygamous families demonstrated significantly higher co-infection rates (19.23%) compared to monogamous families (0%) (χ² = 26.42, p < 0.001). Unemployment was associated with elevated HIV prevalence (21.31%). PCR confirmed HSV-2 DNA through amplification of the 192-base pair UL41 gene fragment in all five randomly selected seropositive samples. This study documents moderate HSV-2 and substantial HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Jalingo, with socio-demographic factors significantly influencing infection risk. The findings advocate for integrating routine HSV-2 screening into antenatal care programs alongside universal HIV testing. Targeted interventions addressing vulnerabilities of high-risk groups, particularly young women, those from polygamous families, and the unemployed, are essential to mitigate mother-to-child transmission and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in northeastern Nigeria.