Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-2 in kidney transplant recipients: A single-center experience

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.
Materials and 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.