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Introduction: HSV is a common human pathogen that lead to lifelong latent infection. Maternal infections may be associate with transmission to the fetus. The risk factors associated with HSV 2 seropositivity in pregnant women in Iraq are not well studied. Aim: The present study conducted to verify the prevalence of HSV 2 infections in women with bad obstetric history (BOH) in Kirkuk Governorate. Material and Methods: HSV 2 seropositivity among women aged 14 to 48 years was investigated by determination of HSV 2 IgG and IgM in a prospective, case control descriptive study. Results: The overall HSV 2 seroprevalence was 29.9%, with a non significant difference between women with BOH and women with normal pregnancy. HSV 2 IgM, as an indicator of current infection was demonstrated in 2% of the studied population, and was significantly (P= 0.002) higher in women with BOH compared to women with normal pregnancy. Both HSV 2 IgG and IgM were significantly varied with age groups, with trends of increasing with older ages. HSV 2 IgG was statistically significantly higher in working women (P=0.03) as compared to housewife. Conclusions: Significant association was found between HSV 2 seroprevalence and education levels, residence, smoking and animal exposure. Presence of pregnancy in women with HSV-2 latent infection was a risk factor for development of BOH.

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Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the conditions and to weigh the potential impact of an obstetrical ultrasound screening intervention on pregnant patients in an underserved area of Lebanon with the presence of refugees. Methods We performed a cross‐sectional study in a rural region in North Lebanon. Monthly second‐trimester obstetrical ultrasound scans were offered to patients. A thorough analysis of the population's characteristics was done, the anomalies discovered were documented and follow up recommendations were offered. Results 268 screening ultrasounds were performed over a one‐year period. The patients' mean age was 27.5 ± 8.5 years with a 35% consanguinity rate. A positive personal history of abnormalities was recognized in 34% of cases, and a positive family history in 21% of them. The average gestational age was of 23.3 ± 1.4 weeks of gestation. We found a rate of 8.6% inaccurate dating, 20% growth abnormalities, and 12% morphological abnormalities requiring follow‐up. These latter included defects affecting multiple organ systems among which renal, neurological, and cardiac structures were the most frequently affected (2.5%, 2%, and 1.6% respectively). Overall, 35.8% of the screened cases required a follow‐up for 1 or more abnormal findings. Conclusions The findings confirmed the necessity to introduce a prenatal ultrasound screening program in rural areas of Lebanon where refugees are settled. The lack of adequate ultrasound screening in these regions presents major threats that can hinder any pregnancy. Our simple intervention tackles the burden of diagnosis of these risks in up to 35.8% of pregnancies and thus can help improve outcomes.