Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Immunoglobulin Antibodies Among Incarcerated Population of the Medium Security Custodial Centre Kontagora, Niger State

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an endemic disease of public health interest that persists for life. Its seropositivity is excessively high within correctional facilities where risk factors such as overcrowding, limited healthcare access, and high-risk behaviours increase transmission. There is limited data on HSV-1 burden in Nigerian prisons, thus, this cross-sectional study assessed the seroprevalence of HSV-1 infection and associated risk factors among 92 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria. Sociodemographic and behavioural data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and serological analysis for HSV-1-specific IgG was performed using the ELISA method. This study revealed an exceptionally high HSV-1 seroprevalence of 96.7%, indicating near-universal exposure within the inmate population. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between HSV-1 positivity and duration of incarceration (p = 0.031), with more extended periods of detention correlating with increased risk. It was also revealed that age is a significant sociodemographic factor (p = 0.010). However, behaviour such as shaving hair locally and sharing sharp objects have an inversely proportional association with HSV-1 infection, though these findings may reflect confounding factors or reporting biases. Consistent condom use was identified as a protective factor (p = 0.042). No significant associations were found with other risk factors, including tattooing, alcohol or drug use, and unprotected sex. These results underscore the need to urgently implement targeted public health interventions such as routine screening, health education, and enhanced access to preventive resources in correctional facilities, in order to reduce the transmission of HSV-1 among inmates, as well as to mitigate the risk of broader spread to communities upon their release. Further research with larger, multi-center samples is recommended to validate these findings and inform evidence-based policy and practice for HSV-1 management in Nigerian correctional facilities.