Herpes Simplex (Hsv–1, 2) Seropositivity: A Study Carried Out Among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients in A Community In Southwest Nigeria

Herpes simplex virus infections have been previously reported in diabetic patients. This study therefore investigated the prevalence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV–1, 2) in patients attending a diabetic clinic of a medical centre in a community in southwest Nigeria. Three hundred and twenty (320) patients aged between 35 – 50 years were screened for fasting blood sugar (FBS); urine sugar (US), urine ketone (UK) and antibodies to HSV–1, 2. Two hundred and seventy (270) (84.4%) of the patients had hyperglycaemia as well as glucosuria, with FBS ranging between 125 and 560 mg/dl, while the remaining 50 (15.6%) had normoglycaemia, with FBS ranging between 55 and 90 mg/dl. None of the normoglycaemic group was HSV–1, 2 seropositive. Among the 270 hyperglycaemic group, 55 (20.4%) had ketonuria and all (100%) were HSV–1, 2 seropositive. 215 (79.6%) of hyperglycaemic group had no ketonuria, and none of them was HSV–1, 2 seropositive. Results of this study showed a high prevalence of hyperglycaemia in the community. Seropositivity to HSV–1, 2 is significant in ketonuria hyperglycaemic patients. This can form a basis for investigating the role of HSV–1, 2 in uncontrolled diabetes since ketonuria is associated with uncontrolled diabetes.