Herpes 1 and its relationship with congenital infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Health Center

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 1 represents a growing challenge in maternal and child health due to its capacity for vertical transmission and potential impact on newborn development. The objective of this study was to evaluate herpes 1 and its relationship with congenital infections in pregnant women at the Jipijapa Health Center. The methodology used was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective. The population consisted of 400 pregnant women who attended the health center, resulting in a final sample of 198 pregnant women. The results showed that the majority of participants were in the 23-33 age range (55.1 percent); 69.2 percent had completed their vaccination schedule, and 75.7 percent had between zero and one birth. In terms of health risks, unsafe water consumption was evident in 24.2% of pregnant women, and inadequate liquid and solid waste disposal ranged from 14.1% to 14.6%. The second trimester of pregnancy was the most affected. Likewise, 76.3 percent had positive immunoglobulin G antibodies, while cases with positive immunoglobulin M were minimal (0.5 percent). It is concluded that there is a high seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1, mainly associated with unprotected sexual intercourse and the absence of regular medical checkups during pregnancy.