HSV-1 has been associated with oro-labial disease, with most infections occurring during childhood, and HSV-2 with genital disease. Additionally, HSV-2 likely contributes substantially to the spread of HIV infection. To estimate the disease burden of Herpes Simplex Virus among the patients attending Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences. Samples of clinically suspected cases of herpes simplex virus received in the Department of Microbiology, RIMS, Ranchi, from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study. Results: During the study period, a total of 1737 samples from clinically suspected cases of herpes simplex virus were received for testing. Of these 1737 samples, 150 samples tested positive for herpes simplex virus. Of total suspected cases, 935 were males and 802 were females. The global burden of HSV-2 infection is large, causing increased risk of genital ulcer disease, HIV acquisition, and transmission of HSV-2 to partners or neonates. These estimates highlight the critical need for development of vaccines, and other new HSV prevention strategies.

Download this article as