The present study determined the prevalence of HSV-1 and 2 among HIV patients in Northern South Africa and identified potential risk factors. Urine samples were collected from patients attending different HIV clinics in Limpopo Province. Total genomic DNA was isolated from these samples using GenElute Blood Genomic DNA Kit and real time PCR protocols were used for the detection of HSV1 and HSV2. Demographic, clinical and socioeconomic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of HSV1 was 48.5% while that of HSV2 was 10.8% from a total of 308 samples. The prevalence of HSV1 was higher among females while that of HSV2 did not vary between males and females. Patients on zidovudine had a much lower prevalence. Patients who had TB (χ 2 = 9.128; p = 0.003), seemed to have a much higher susceptibility to HSV-1.However, this was not the case with HSV2. CD4 count and viral load did not seem to have any impact of the occurrence of HSV among these patients. Urine samples appear to be a useful alternative for the detection of the HSV. Generally, history of TB, usage of certain ARVs and early age of sexual debut appeared to be important risk factors for HSV.

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of ulcerative mucocutaneous disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. HSV-1 is usually acquired in childhood and causes oral ulcers, whereas HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and causes anogenital ulcers. The rates of prevalence of HSV-1 and 2 differ widely between and within countries; however the occurrence of HSV1 and 2 among HIV patients in the Northern part of South Africa has not been thoroughly investigated.Methods & Materials: In order to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HSV1 and 2, urine samples were collected from HIV and AIDS patients attending different treatment centers in the Limpopo Province. Total genomic DNA was isolated from these samples using the Qiagen Blood Mini Kit and a real time PCR protocol was used for the detection of HSV1 and 2 in the urine samples. Demographic data, clinical and socioeconomic status data were collected from the patients using a structured questionnaire.Results: The overall prevalence of HSV1 was 52.4% while that of HSV2 was 10.8% from a total of 308 samples. The prevalence of HSV1 was higher among females while that of HSV2 did not vary between males and females. The prevalence of both viruses in the urine increased with age although the difference was not significant. Patients on zidovudine had a much lower prevalence while those on stavudine had higher prevalence. Patients who had TB ( 2 =9.128; p=0.003), seemed to have a much higher susceptibility to HSV1 however, this was not the case with HSV2. CD4 count and viral load did not seem to have any impact of the occurrence of HSV among these patients.Conclusion: Generally, history of TB and early age of sexual debut appeared to be the important risk factors while the use of certain ARVs was protective again HSV1 infections. The high recovery rate obtained in this study demonstrates the importance of employing real-time PCR techniques in the diagnosis of the HSV using urine samples. It is also suggested that for research settings in which vaginal swab specimens are not available urine-based PCR may be useful for the detection of HSV1 and 2 in HIV patients.