Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) infection is the primary cause of genital herpes and one of the most frequent sexually transmitted diseases world-wide. Subclinical shedding of HSV occurs in persons with a history of genital herpes and is instrumental in transmitting HSV infection. This study was carried out to find out the seroprevalence of HSV2 among sexually transmitted diseases patients, to examine the influence of certain factors associated with HSV2 infection and to evaluate the need for regular HSV2 seroprevalence surveys. Patients attending Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) out-patient department (OPD) with complaints of vesicles and ulcers over the genital region, either in their initial presentation or recurrence were examined for the presence of herpes virus infection by microscopy and serology. Majority of the STD patients with antibodies to HSV2 did not have history of genital herpes. This finding drives home the importance of screening in a community as the majority of persons infected with HSV2 infection is symptom-free and thus represent the major reservoir for HSV2 transmission.HSV2 seroprevalence is high among HIV seropositive individuals than among HIV seronegative individuals. HSV2 could thus be an important risk factor associated with HIV acquisition.

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