[afro-nets] PCR screening for syphilis... (4)

[Elia John <eliajelia@yahoo.co.uk>]

PCR screening for syphilis... (4)
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Hi colleagues,

The burden of HSV2 is not well known in Africa especially south
of Sahara, and this is largely due to poor diagnostic capability
for many decades ago. But recent development in amplification
techniques now available (basically for research purpose so far
not for service as I know) it could be easier to first establish
the HSV2 burden.

It's of no question, as showed by resent studies (some in north
Tanzania where HSV2 prevalence have been reported to be as high
as 60%). So, I think the subject of HSV2 has not well been stud-
ied south of Sahara, leave alone the link between it and other
STI's even HIV.

The other challenge we face regarding HSV2 in Africa is the
cross-reaction between the highly prevalent HSV1 antibodies and
HSV2. This makes the specific amplification techniques for HSV2
of paramount importance to tear apart these two. But the cost
and expertise is the usual hindrance to all this.

Young researchers may look at describing the epidemiology of
HSV2 and as suggested earlier, unveiling the pathogenesis of
syphilis, hoping this could be of benefit to clinician on the
ground.

Elia John MD, MSc.
mailto:eliajelia@yahoo.co.uk