Molecular Detection of HSV type 2 Infection among Infertile Males in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of humans were first documented in ancient Greece. HSVs belong to family Herpesviridae, and are characterized by being enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses with relatively large complex genomes. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA seems to play a significant role in male infertility, it is significantly related to low sperm count as well as poor motility. Aim: This study aimed to determine the incidence of HSV-2 DNA among infertile males in Khartoum State, Sudan by using molecular methods. Methods: The study was carried out in Khartoum State, Sudan, during May-August 2018. A total of 50 semen samples from infertile males were included. HSV-2 was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Result: Among 50 semen samples from infertile males, 6(12%) samples were found positive for HSV-2 DNA. Conclusion: Our findings showed no association between HSV-2 DNA and low sperm count in infertile Sudanese men. Our study also revealed the need for further investigations in different parts of the country to highlight the extent of the viral related men infertility problem in Sudan. Keywords: HSV-2, RT-PCR, infertility, men, Sudan