Cervical Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Virus Proteins in Pregnancy and Puerperium
Author Information
Author(s): D. Heather Watts, Jeanne-Marie Guise, Zane Brown, Lawrence Corey, Rhoda L. Ashley
Primary Institution: University of Washington School of Medicine
Hypothesis
This study was undertaken to evaluate the changes in total and anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific cervical IgA and IgG antibody profiles during and after pregnancy.
Conclusion
Lower cervical anti-HSV antibody levels may be related to the previously reported increased frequency of a reactivation of HSV during late pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven women were HSV seronegative, 14 HSV-1 seropositive, and 14 HSV-2 + HSV-1 seropositive.
- Minimal changes in the serum anti-HSV profiles were seen over the 3 visits.
- The total cervical IgA, IgG, and protein levels did not change between the 2 pregnancy visits but tended to increase at the postpartum visit.
- No consistent change in cervical HSV-specific IgA and IgG was seen during pregnancy, but the levels increased markedly at the postpartum visit.
Takeaway
The study looked at how antibodies to herpes simplex virus change in pregnant women and found that these antibodies increase after giving birth.
Methodology
Serum and cervical secretions were obtained from pregnant patients before 20 weeks gestation, at 34-36 weeks gestation, and at 6 weeks postpartum and tested for total IgA and IgG antibody and for IgA and IgG to HSV proteins by Western blot.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not include first-trimester visits for all cases.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women enrolled from prenatal clinics, with varying HSV serostatus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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