Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the cause of cutaneous herpes zoster (Shingles). Once acquired, it develops a lifelong latency. The risk factors for reactivation of latent infection include diabetes mellitus, older age group, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While 66.3% of children in Nigeria tested positive for antibodies, the seroprevalence among unvaccinated people in the US is 99.5%. Given the high burden of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with morbidity from increased risk of VZV reactivation, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of VZV among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and to compare it with the controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHIV at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. Ninety-two subjects including 46 PLHIV and 46 Controls who met the inclusion criteria were randomly recruited. Blood samples were processed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique to determine the presence of antibodies to VZV. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of PLHIV and controls was 44.13 (+8.5) years and 46.24 +/- 11.87 years, respectively. Females constituted 89.1% of PLHIV. Antibodies to VZV were demonstrated in 82.6% of PLHIV and 93.3% of the controls (chi(2) = 2.462, P = 0.117). 81.8% of PLHIV with early disease (CD4 > 200 cells/mu L) were seropositive. Conclusion: This study affirms the high seroprevalence rate in Nigeria. The reactivation of VZV constitutes a threat to public health, particularly among PLHIV. Consequently, it is recommended that the VZV vaccine be included in the national immunization schedule, while the recombinant VZV vaccine may be promoted among PLHIV.