Serological Detection of IgG in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Against EBV, HSV-1, VZV: Evaluating Immunity and Past Infection

BACKGROUND: The goal was to explore the seroprevalence in order to evaluate past infections and immunity status in type 2 diabetic individuals compared to the seroprevalence of the common members of Herpesviridae family viruses. METHODS: One hundred and fifty individuals (50 females, 100 males) were enrolled in this study, all from Taif city. Samples were collected by drawing 3 mL of peripheral blood into the yellow cap tubes for serum collection. The samples were collected between the 3rd and the 8th of February 2025. IgG serostatus was evaluated by using Synergy Neo2 microplate reader at a wavelength of 450 nm. Chi-squared test was applied for statistical analysis pur-poses. RESULTS: High IgG titer was detected among our study group, which is indicative of recent infection or vaccination. HSV-1 IgG seropositivity was higher in males (90%) than females (76%); VZV IgG seropositivity was lower in males (82%) than females (86%), while EBV IgG seropositivity was higher in males (82%) than females (58%). Different IgG titers were detected among the study groups, and coinfection were detected in 54% for HSV-1/VZV, 28% for EBV/VZV, 15.4% for HSV-1/EBV, and 14% among all three viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study assessed the seropositivity of VZV, HSV-1, and EBV in T2DM patients. The prevalence among them was lower than other studies. Gender-based differences were detected as most detected cases were males except in VZV females were higher, coinfection is common among two viruses or the three together, indicating the essential importance of targeted regular screening and vaccination of T2DM patients.